Abe Koroma, a defensive tackle competing for a starting role this fall, broke a bone in his foot and is likely out four to five games, he said today.

Koroma broke the fifth metatarsal, a small bone connected to the pinkie toe, in practice last week. He was being double-teamed when the bone snapped, he said. The doctors told him it was likely a stress-related fracture.

The absence of Koroma, a 6-foot-3, 312-pound redshirt freshman, thins the depth on the defensive line. He has been among the eight players in competition for significant playing time.

Assuming Koroma returns after four or five games, he will not qualify for a medical redshirt. In order to qualify for the NCAA's medical hardship waiver, he cannot play in more than 20 percent of games in a given season.