Purdue redshirt junior defensive tackle Damarjhe Lewis was expecting to be a significant contributor on the defensive line before suffering an ankle injury on Thursday. Rivals’ Tom Dienhart now reports that Lewis has suffered a broken ankle and is not expected to return in the 2022 season.

Lewis was projected to be a backup defensive tackle for Purdue this season but was expected to play all 12 games and be a key member of the defensive line.

Last season, Lewis played in 12 games for Purdue, accounting for eight total tackles, three solo tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass breakup, and two quarterback hurries. Lewis is entering his third season with Purdue after enrolling at Indiana in 2019.

Purdue is returning nine defensive starters on a team that accounted for an overall record of 9-4 (6-3 in B1G play) and the team’s first winning season since 2017.

In addition to Lewis, Purdue also lost tight end Garrett Miller to an injury early in the week with Miller also expected to miss the season. Miller was expected to serve as the No. 2 TE on the depth chart.