Oklahoma starting wide receiver Trell Harris will be out for the "foreseeable future," coach Brent Venables said, as he continues to be evaluated after taking a big hit in Saturday's loss at Michigan.
Harris, a transfer from Virginia, absorbed the blow to his right side and abdomen from Michigan safety Chris Bracy on an 11-yard pass late in the first quarter. The senior left the field but returned and finished the game, recording four receptions for 43 yards.
Venables said Harris will continue to be evaluated but won't play for some time. Harris had 59 receptions for 847 yards and five touchdowns for Virginia last season, and has six receptions for 104 yards in two games with No. 24 Oklahoma. He started his career at Kent State.
Sophomore Elijah Thomas and junior Mackenzie Alleyne are likely to see increased roles during Harris' absence.
"I'm excited about those guys," Venables said. "They've shown enough to give you great confidence in what they'll do, maybe in an expanded role. Elijah Thomas is one of our most explosive guys. We've got to get him involved more so than he is. ... Mackenzie might have been most productive guy all spring. Just a really good football player, knows how to play the game."
The Sooners could regain standout linebacker Kip Lewis earlier than expected, as Venables said Monday on his coach's show that the team received "some good news." Lewis, Oklahoma's leading tackler last season, left the Michigan game in the first half with an apparent knee injury.
"He'll be back sooner than maybe we initially thought," Venables said Monday.
Oklahoma hosts New Mexico on Saturday.
