Edwin Kolenge to miss remainder of Vanderbilt football season to injury

Edwin Kolenge, the Vanderbilt football starting edge rusher, is out for the season after undergoing surgery to address a pectoral tendon injury, Clark Lea said Nov. 12.

The injury happened during a 25-23 win over Mississippi State. He was listed as "out" on the team's injury report released Nov. 11.

Vanderbilt (4-5, 1-5 SEC) will take on No. 7 Alabama (7-2, 5-2) on Nov. 14 (11:45 a.m. CT, SEC Network) at FirstBank Stadium.

Kolenge started seven of Vanderbilt's nine games so far this season. He's recorded 20 total tackles with three tackles for loss and three sacks after transferring from Boston College.

"I appreciate Edwin," Lea said. "Here's an example of a guy who comes here for one year, is a total embodiment of our program. It's tough. He cares about his teammates, plays really hard, and he's had a positive impact here, and we want Vanderbilt to be his football home. Unfortunately, he won't be able to finish the season with us, but I know he'll be here with us when he can and obviously we'll look forward to having him around as much as possible."

Lea said the team had originally hoped that Kolenge's injury wasn't serious. In his Nov. 9 press conference, Lea said that he thought Kolenge wouldn't miss time. However, the news changed once Kolenge's MRI results came back.

Brian Allen Jr., a transfer from Iowa, is expected to see increased time as a result of the injury. Allen was limited through most of the season due to a high ankle sprain, but is closer to being healthy now. He has recorded three tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack this season.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Edwin Kolenge to miss remainder of Vanderbilt football season to injury