EVANSTON, IL - NOVEMBER 05: Corey Clement #6 of the Wisconsin Badgers breaks away from Trae Williams #29 and Nate Hall #32 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on November 5, 2016 in Evanston, Illinois. Wisconsin defeated Northwestern 21-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Big Ten starter expected to miss at least six months after horrible injury

This is a blow to the team's depth.

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald received some bad news during spring practice after redshirt sophomore cornerback Trae Williams tore his Achilles.

Related: Auburn provides update on injured quarterback Sean White 

Williams underwent successful surgery to repair his Achilles, but he will be out at least six month and miss the first month of the season with the injury.

Williams started several games in 2016 as a freshman after corners Keith Watkins II and Matt Harris were injured. He recorded 42 tackles, seven pass breakups, one fumble recovery and one interception. His lone interception helped seal the Wildcats' 38-31 win over Iowa.

The loss of Williams hurts Northwestern's depth, though Watkins II is expected to return this fall.

Northwestern finished 7-6 in 2016. They open the 2017 season on Saturday, Sept. 2 at home against Nevada.

(h/t InsideNU)