WKU’s linebacker corps, which was already searching for answers following the graduation and transfer of several key players, has been dealt another blow as redshirt senior Eli Brown will miss extended time.

“It was an injury to his foot,” head coach Tyson Helton said after practice on Saturday. “You know, significant injury. I hope that we can get him back at some point in the season.”

Brown transferred to WKU from Kentucky before last season and finished the year with 25 total tackles, two sacks and two pass defenses. Brown had previously attended Warren East High School.

Helton was optimistic that Brown would return this season, comparing it to an suffered by former WKU tight end Tim Gorski during Helton’s tenure as WKU’s offensive coordinator.

“He was able to come back and contribute during that 2015 season,” Helton said. “So we’ll see. Every guy’s different though, you know, everyone heals differently.”

Sports Editor Matt Stahl can be reached at 270-745-6291 and [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @mattstahl97.