DeVante Parker's loss is a blow to Louisville's offense. (USA TODAY Sports)
Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker is sidelined for six to eight weeks with a broken bone in his left foot, coach Bobby Petrino announced.
Parker, a senior, was scheduled to have surgery on Monday.
The earliest Parker could return is Oct. 11 against Clemson.
Not only is Parker’s loss significant to the Cardinals, they also must replace former All-ACC quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings.
“You’re never going to replace a guy like DeVante with one guy,” Petrino said. “We’ll need a lot of guys to step up in his absence.”
Parker was injured during practice Friday night. He traveled to Charlotte, N.C., on Sunday to be examined by Dr. Robert Anderson, who specializes in foot and ankle injuries.
Last season, Parker made 55 catches for 885 yards with a school-record-tying 12 touchdowns. He has led Louisville in TD catches in each of the past three years. In the last two seasons, he led the team in catches and yards.
