Texas Tech defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard out for the season

Jeff Hauser

Texas Tech defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard out for the season image

Texas Tech defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard will miss the rest of the season following an ankle injury, according to ESPN's Max Olson

The Northern Illinois transfer has been outstanding this year for the 7th-ranked Red Raiders, who boast one the nation's top defenses. There's a chance Gill-Howard could return for the postseason, but no timetable has been set. 

This comes at a key time for Texas Tech, who is expected to stay atop the Big 12 standings. Gill-Howard has played in all six games, recording 13 tackles (2.5 for loss) with an interception return for a touchdown.

Texas Tech has the top run defense in nation, allowing 62.5 rushing yards per game. They also rank in the top 30 for ever major defensive stat. Houston transfer A.J. Holmes Jr. is expected to replace Gill-Howard in the starting lineup, sources told ESPN. 

The Red Raiders look to stay undefeated on the road against defending Big 12 champion Arizona State on Saturday (4 p.m. ET, FOX).

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Jeff Hauser

Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.