West Virginia is expected to be without key linebacker David Long for at least the first four games of the season because of a knee injury, a source confirmed to ESPN.com.
Sports Illustrated first reported the injury to Long's meniscus, which he suffered during an offseason workout.
Long started 10 games for the Mountaineers as a freshman last season, recording 64 tackles, including 11 in the Russell Athletic Bowl against Miami.
The Mountaineers are hopeful that Long will be able to return by Oct .7 when they travel to TCU in what figures to be a key Big 12 matchup.