Houston quarterback D’Eriq King is expected to miss the rest of the season after tearing the meniscus in his right knee during the Cougars’ victory against Tulane, a person familiar with the injury told The Associated Press on Friday night.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team was not planning an official announcement about King’s injury.
King’s injury was first reported by the Houston Chronicle.
The junior has accounted for 50 touchdowns (36 passing and 14 rushing) to lead the nation for the Cougars (8-3, 5-2), who are still in contention for the American Athletic Conference West Division and a spot in the league championship game. Houston plays Memphis next week in a game that could decide the division.
King was not hit on the play in which he was injured late in the second quarter. He was replaced by freshman Clayton Tune, who has played in three games this season and completed 20 for 42 passes for 309 yards and four touchdowns with one interception.
Houston also released short statements from star defensive tackle Ed Oliver and coach Major Applewhite on Friday night , addressing Oliver’s sideline outburst at halftime of the Cougars’ 48-17 victory on Thursday.
Oliver said the confrontation was the result of a “misunderstanding.”
“Last night is not who I am,” Oliver said. “I was caught in an emotional moment. I have the utmost respect for Coach Applewhite and I appreciate the support of Coach Applewhite and my teammates during this time. I love my brothers, my team and my city and I’m looking forward to moving forward with them together. Go Coogs!”
Oliver angrily shouted at Applewhite and had to be held back by from the coach by a Houston staffer as they walked off the field. Applewhite said later Oliver was upset because the coach had told the player to remove the black winter coat he was wearing on the sideline. Applewhite said the coats are reserved for active players.
Oliver has missed the last four games with a knee injury and was not in uniform against Tulane. His status for the next week’s game is uncertain.
“Last night was not indicative of his character and it was a passionate moment within our program,” Applewhite said in the statement. “We can, and we will, both learn from this situation as we move forward together.”
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