LAWRENCE, Kan. — Danny Stutsman tried his best to tough it out.
After suffering an ankle injury in the final minute of the first half, the junior linebacker took to the field for the start of the third quarter in OU’s road game against Kansas on Saturday.
But Stutsman played for exactly one defensive snap before hobbling off the field. And this time, he didn’t return for the rest of the game.
The loss of Stutsman was massive for the Sooners, who ultimately suffered a 38-33 loss. When asked about Stutsman’s availability moving forward, OU head coach Brent Venables didn’t have an update.
“Hurt for Danny,” Venables said. “He’s a great player, so I’m sure to some degree there’s an impact. But there’s no excuses. We didn’t do the things that it takes to win a game.”
Stutsman is widely viewed as the heart and soul of OU’s defense.
The third-year Sooner entered Saturday with 70 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss, which both ranked second in the Big 12.
Stutsman was also one of 100 players named to the midseason watch list for the Lombardi Award on Oct. 17. The award is given annually to the college football player who best embodies the values of legendary head coach Vince Lombardi.
