Outside linebacker Tavius Robinson (pectoral) has suffered a season-ending injury, Head Coach Jesse Minter announced on Friday.
Robinson was off to the best start of his four-year career, leading the team in sacks (3.5) and quarterback hits (eight), along with 18 tackles.
Playing a career-high 72% of the defensive snaps through Week 6, Robinson was having consistent impact as both a run stopper and pass rusher during a contract year.
"I feel for him, more than anything," Minter said. "How hard he works, the year he was having, what he brings to the group. You feel really bad for him going through it, you feel good about the guys we have, opportunities for guys to step in and get more reps."
Robinson's absence creates an opportunity for rookies Zion Young and Ethan Burke to earn more playing time.
"Those guys have progressed really well," Minter said. "They're at that point where you don't feel like they're rookies anymore. They understand the physicality, what we're trying to do. Excited to see those guys potentially get more snaps."