Sophomore linebacker Jaren Kanak, who assisted Oklahoma’s defense in holding Cincinnati without a touchdown on Saturday, was taken off the field with what appeared to be a chest injury late in the game according to Sooners head coach Brent Venables.
Kanak “got hit in the chest” late in the fourth quarter, according to Venables, who was speaking to the media following OU’s 20-6 victory.
He was examined locally, released, and according to Venables, “early results” suggested he would “be okay.”
Kanak was supposed to return with the team to Oklahoma.
Media reports claim that Kanak was taken to a hospital in an ambulance as a “precautionary measure.” He appeared to be having difficulty breathing and was coughing up what appeared to be blood, according to FOX sideline reporter Jenny Taft.
As the Sooners’ defense kept Cincinnati’s rushing assault about 100 yards below its season average and restricted the Bearcats to 3-for-15 on third down, Kanak finished with seven tackles and a quarterback hurry.
“He’s alright,” said linebacker Danny Stutsman. “He’s a fighter. That’s my guy. “He’ll be alright and he’ll push through.”
Stutsman had 13 tackles, one sack, and 3.5 tackles for loss to lead the club. For the Sooners, linebacker Dasan McCullough had seven tackles as well.