Oklahoma, despite being preseason Big 12 favorites and BCS contenders, has taken some hits to their defensive group over the past few months. In May, the Sooners tragically lost linebacker Austin Box, and earlier this month, fellow linebacker Travis Lewis suffered a broken bone in his left foot that would sideline him for up to two months.
Now, there might be another absence (non-injury related) that would induce a hit to the Sooners’ defensive depth chart.
According to a tweet from OU beat writer Jake Trotter, head coach Bob Stoops said LB/DE Ronnell Lewis is not practicing with the team as he handles a “personal issue”. Trotter then added “not looking good.”
Since the matter is, you know, personal, it’s unlikely we’ll know right away what is going on with Lewis or how long he’ll be out. In coach speak, personal issues can mean just about anything.
But OU will feel Lewis’ absence for as long as he’s gone. The junior started four games last season, tallied 37 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery.