The Sooners are already having injury issues that bring back haunting memories from 2009.

Austin Box, expected to be a jack-of-all-trades this season on OU’s linebacker corps, will miss some time with a back injury. The loss of Box hurts the Sooners’ depth, but won’t affect the starting lineup.

Travis Lewis, a two-year veteran and future NFL talent, is back at weak side linebacker.

The assumed starter at middle linebacker is highly touted redshirt freshman, Tom Wort, who missed all of last season after tearing his ACL in a preseason practice.

Wort had been mentioned by coaches as one player they are most excited to see. Since returning with a dominating performance in OU’s spring game, the hype has only increased. Box was listed as Wort’s backup.

The strong side is anchored by big-hitting sophomore Ronnell Lewis, who is most noted for the devastating hits on defense and special teams late last season. While the bruising backer, now nicknamed “The Hammer,” has accumulated more highlights than most, Box still figured into this position as well because of game experience.

The main impact of Box’s injury will be who defensive coordinator Brent Venables calls to step into the versatile role Box provided for the Sooner defense.

After practice Tuesday, Venables named two possible replacements: sophomores Jaydan Bird and Daniel Franklin. Bird is a bit thicker, but Franklin is a little taller.

Bird logged two tackles in 2009 after appearing in 12 games on special teams, while Franklin did not appear in any games last season.

Both were three-star recruits and have little game experience. Which one, if either, will step up is anybody’s guess for now.

One thing is for sure: Box’s versatility will be missed.