UCLA D-lineman Eddie Vanderdoes has torn knee ligament

Published Sep. 7, 2015 12:40 a.m. ET

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LOS ANGELES (AP) UCLA defensive end Eddie Vanderdoes tore a ligament in his knee during the 13th-ranked Bruins' season-opening victory over Virginia, possibly sidelining him for the rest of the season.

UCLA spokesman Josh Rupprecht confirmed the injury Sunday night.

Vanderdoes led the Bruins with eight tackles in their 34-16 victory over the Cavaliers. He has played in all 27 games of his career at UCLA, earning selection to the All-Pac-12 honorable mention team last season.

UCLA is uncertain when the injury occurred, but coach Jim Mora said Vanderdoes' knee ''locked up on him'' early in the game. He ended up limping off the Rose Bowl field in the third quarter.

The Bruins aren't certain how long Vanderdoes will be sidelined, but torn knee ligaments typically require surgery and months of rehabilitation. Sophomore Matt Dickerson is likely to get increased playing time in Vanderdoes' absence, which deprives the Bruins of an NFL prospect and one of their top defensive players.

Vanderdoes is a stalwart run defender alongside nose tackle Kenny Clark, making up one of the Pac-12's top defensive fronts. Vanderdoes also carried the ball four times as a 305-pound tailback last season, scoring a touchdown against Utah.

Vanderdoes' injury was first reported by Rivals.com.