Purdue’s defensive line could be without its best player when the season kicks off at Nevada.

Following Purdue’s closed scrimmage on Saturday, Jeff Brohm offered an update on injured defensive lineman Lorenzo Neal, and the prognosis isn’t good. According to Tom Dienhart of Gold and Black Illustrated, the defensive tackle could be sidelined for quite some time.

“Lorenzo is probably gonna be a game-time decision,” Brohm told Dienhart. “Whether he goes or not, it will be up to the doctors. I’m not optimistic.”

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Neal is coming off a knee surgery and was hoping to be back on the field for the start of the 2019 season.

Neal has been a significant contributor on Purdue’s defensive line for the past two seasons and is expected to anchor that unit, assuming he returns at some point this year. Over the last two years, Neal has totaled 52 tackles, 8.5 for loss, forced four fumbles and registered three sacks.

Purdue will open its season on Aug. 30 against Nevada. The Boilermakers finished last season with a 6-7 record.