Oklahoma WR Harris out for 'foreseeable future' following hit in Michigan loss

Oklahoma starting wide receiver Trell Harris will be sidelined for an unspecified period after absorbing a hit during Saturday's loss at Michigan. Coach Brent Venables said on September 15 that Harris will be out for the "foreseeable future" as the team continues to evaluate his condition. Harris took a blow to his right side and abdomen from Michigan safety Chris Bracy on an 11-yard pass late in the first quarter, according to ESPN's reporting. The injury occurred in a game where No. 24 Oklahoma suffered a loss to the Wolverines. Harris transferred to Oklahoma from Virginia, where he recorded 59 receptions for 847 yards and five touchdowns last season. In two games with the Sooners, Harris has accumulated six receptions for 104 yards. He started his college career at Kent State before transferring to Virginia. Venables said Harris will continue to be evaluated but will not play for some time. The coach indicated that backup receivers Elijah Thomas, a sophomore, and Mackenzie Alleyne, a junior, are likely to see increased roles during Harris's absence. Venables expressed confidence in both, stating: "I'm excited about those guys. 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." On a brighter note for Oklahoma's defense, the Sooners could regain standout linebacker Kip Lewis earlier than expected. Lewis is the team's leading tackler from last season and left the Michigan game in the first half with an apparent knee injury. Venables said Monday on his coach's show that the team received "some good news" about Lewis's recovery. "He'll be back sooner than maybe we initially thought," Venables said. Oklahoma hosts New Mexico on Saturday.