Louisville's debut in the ACC might come and go next week without its star wide receiver on the field.
Wide receiver DeVante Parker injured his left foot during practice on Friday, the school announced. The severity of the injury is unknown and he will visit a doctor in North Carolina for a second opinion.
The 6-foot-3, 208-pound pass-catcher is considered Louisville's top NFL draft prospect heading into the season, and some think he could be a first-round selection next spring.
As a top target for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater last season, Parker caught 55 passes for 885 yards and tied a school record with 12 touchdown catches for the Cardinals.
However, if there's one area where the team is deep, it's wide receiver. The loss of Parker for any amount of time cannot be understated for new head coach Bobby Petrino's offense, but there are a number of options that can at least temporarily fill his shoes.
Sophomore James Quick is expected to be in the starting lineup, with or without Parker on the other side, while senior Eli Rogers provides the team an experienced and talented option, as well. Fellow senior Kai De La Cruz is listed on the team's depth chart as Parker's primary backup.
Parker's injury isn't the only possible blow to Louisville ahead of its opener against Miami next week, though. Running back Michael Dyer was labeled by the team as day-to-day after injuring his quadriceps during the team's scrimmage last week.
Louisville should still feature an offense that can put up points in a hurry, but seeing Parker suffer an injury before the season even begins is not the start Petrino had in mind as he prepares his team for its Sept. 1 opener against Miami.
You can follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter at @BryanDFischer.
