OU Linebacker Ryan Reynolds Out for Bedlam

Originally Published: Nov 22, 2009 4:42 PM CDT

Dean Blevins
Oklahoma Sports Oklahoma City Sports Director

OU's starting middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds will not play against Oklahoma State next Saturday after sustaining a hamstring injury in the loss yesterday at Texas Tech.

The loss of Reynolds is considered especially significant because he is the leader of the defense, calls out assignments, and specializes in stopping the run. Oklahoma State leads the conference in rushing. Austin Box occasionally replaces Reynolds, mostly in passing situations and will draw the starting assignment in the Bedlam game in Norman.

Reynolds becomes the third senior captain to be lost due to injury, joining Heisman-winning QB Sam Bradford and All-Big 12 fullback-turned offensive lineman Brody Eldridge.

Reynolds has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. The fifth-year standout from Las Vegas has undergone three knee surgeries and has applied to the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility.

Reynolds is the seventh starter to suffer a regular season-ending injury this year. The others are Sam Bradford, tight end Jermaine Gresham, defensive end Auston English and offensive linemen Eldridge, Jarvis Jones and Ben Habern.