Keontez Lewis injury update: Brent Venables reveals conversation on field

Following Keontez Lewis‘ injury during Saturday’s 44-0 win over Kent State, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has revealed a positive update on the Sooners WR. He revealed that Lewis was responsive toward his teammates and coaches, telling them he was doing alright despite being in obvious pain.

Venables provided the latest on his wideout following the victory. All things considered, the Sooners head coach said, Lewis “was okay.”

“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.”

Previous reports stated that Lewis was up and walking around back in the training room after being stretchered off the field. The injury came after he failed to make a grab in the back of the end zone before Lewis lost control and slammed himself helmet first into Oklahoma‘s brick wall located behind the end zone. He was unable to bring himself to a stop before the collision occurred.

However, Lewis, out of an “abundance of caution,” was forced to be evaluated further “offsite.” Though, it appears that initial tests came back positive considering the situation.

Before his injury, Lewis came into Saturday’s matchup as one of OU’s leading receivers totaling 17 receptions for 210 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He was connecting well with QB John Mateer to begin the season, but wasn’t given time to find a rhythm with Michael Hawkins on Saturday. Hawkins earned the start while Mateer recovers from surgery on his throwing hand. Lewis did not record a catch against Kent State.

Oklahoma will hope to have Lewis’ services back sooner rather than later. Injuries hindered them in 2024 and they wanted to avoid the same moving forward. Both WR Isaiah Sategna III and TE Jaren Kanak have over 300 receiving yards a piece to their credit this season, so they still have productive pass catchers readily available.

Next up for the Sooners is the all-important Red River Rivalry matchup against Texas. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET live on ABC.