Oklahoma Football: Sooners Losing OL Tyler Evans to ACL Injury Is Devastating

Camp has been a series of misfortunes for Oklahoma so far. From the dismissal of Kameel Jackson to the loss of Will Latu to Arkansas State, the Sooners have faced their fair share of issues. That streak has not gotten any better.

Head coach Bob Stoops confirmed that offensive guard Tyler Evans would be getting an MRI on Monday to determine just the extent of a potential knee injury. As Stoops told SportsIllustrated.com, "It may be a ligament. It may be cartilage. If it's cartilage, he gets a break—or we get a break. If it's not, then it could be bad. Until you get the MRI, you don't know."

That MRI ultimately came back with the news Stoops and so many others were not hoping for. According to the Washington Post, the MRI revealed that Evans had torn his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The news means Evans will be out for the season.

“We feel badly for Tyler and will certainly encourage him through the surgery and rehab,” Stoops said. “Bronson Irwin has been playing well and we’re fortunate to have good depth. He’ll get a lot of reps in the preseason and we’ll be ready to go when the season gets here," Stoops told The Washington Post.

While Stoops is staying positive with players such as Irwin, there is no denying the loss of Evans. After losing center Ben Habern recently to lingering neck and back issues, Evans had become the most experienced lineman with 29 career starts. The loss of both Habern and Evans now creates a giant void that needs to be filled.

Originally touted as one of the stronger lines in the country, Oklahoma now faces a very thin group. Stoops still has a lot of confidence in his team but there is no denying that camp has gotten off to a rough start for the Sooners.

It is now up to the young guns to prove what they're made of. After all, as James Patton, who coaches the guards and centers told the Washington Post, “It’s an opportunity for the next guy, whoever it is."