NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said defensive end D.J. Ward had his spleen removed Tuesday morning and will be out at least six weeks.
The loss of Ward, who was expected to contribute to a defensive line that is already thin, comes after losing five defensive linemen a season ago. Meanwhile, Oklahoma already lost defensive end Michael Onuoha earlier this month with a shoulder injury.
Stoops would not say if Ward will be redshirted, but it would be hard to expect him to play at all this season.
The injuries to Ward and Onuoha make the case of defensive tackle Quincy Russell even more urgent. Russell, a junior college transfer who is expected to play immediately on the defensive line, has yet to arrive on campus. Monday, Stoops said Russell is "close" to joining the team as the paperwork from his junior college is being cleared up.
Follow Andrew Gilman on Twitter: @andrewgilmanOK
