Keontez Lewis injury: Brent Venables supports increased padding in end zone

With 10:39 remaining in the first quarter of Oklahoma‘s win over Kent State on Saturday, Sooners wide receiver Keontez Lewis was carted off the field. Lewis crashed head-first into a brick wall after running through the back of the end zone while trying to catch a pass.

Lewis immediately crumpled and remained on the ground after running into the wall. After the game, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables weighed in on the idea of putting padding on the walls behind each end zone.

“We’re evaluating all options when it comes to the safety of our players,” Venables said. “Make things safer without question.”

Lewis was taken “offsite” to be evaluated further after being carted off the field. Venables revealed the fifth-year wideout was aware of his situation and talking to the team while being taken off the field.

“He was alert. He was in some pain in his back and (we’re) getting in all the details, but yeah, he was going full speed and ran into the wall,” Venables said. “So, you’re dang right, I was very concerned. And thankful. Once i got over there, I realized, based on the questions he was answering, was very coherent,, you know, ‘My head’s fine. My legs are fine.’ 

“It’s kind of like probably being in a car wreck, I would guess. I haven’t seen the video of it. But I was thankful.”

Lewis didn’t record any receptions before leaving the game Saturday. However, he has 17 catches for 210 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season. Lewis had a breakout year last season, notching career-highs of 49 catches, 790 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Keontez Lewis isn’t the only Sooner who is battling an injury. Sooners starting quarterback John Mateer underwent surgery on his throwing hand after Oklahoma’s Week 4 win over Auburn.

It’s unclear if Mateer will be able to play on Saturday in the Red River Rivalry game against Texas. Venables said he doesn’t expect Mateer to be fully recovered in time for the showdown.

In Mateer’s absence, sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. started for Oklahoma on Saturday. In the 44-0 win, Hawkins completed 14-of-his-24 pass attempts for 162 yards and three touchdowns, without throwing an interception. Hawkins also recorded nine carries for 33 yards and a score.

Keontez Lewis and John Mateer will both work diligently to return before Oklahoma squares off against Texas at against Texas at 2:30 CT on Saturday. The game will air live on ABC.