Michigan State star defensive end Kenny Willekes breaks leg in Redbox Bowl
Michigan State defensive end Kenny Willekes broke his leg Monday during the Spartans' 7-6 loss to Oregon in the Redbox Bowl, MSU coach Mark Dantonio said during his postgame news conference.
Willekes was carted to the locker room in the third quarter after his left leg slid while trying to pressure Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert with about 5 minutes to play in the quarter.
Willekes, an All-American and the Big Ten's defensive lineman of the year, laid on the ground in Oregon's end zone as MSU's training staff rushed to his aid.
Trainers looked at Willekes’ left leg, and he needed assistance to get off the field while not putting any pressure on the leg.
Willekes was carted back to the Spartans’ locker room, and in the fourth quarter he returned to MSU's sideline in street clothes and on crutches, with his left leg in a hard walking boot.
Willekes, a former walk-on who has blossomed into an NFL draft prospect, has yet to announce whether he will return to MSU for his senior season or enter the draft.
Willekes had two tackles in the game.