Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops announced that defensive lineman Alvonte Bell has been dismissed for a violation of team rules, and defensive line was already one of the question marks for the Wildcats this season.

The 2017 rising senior was expected to be a key member on the Cats’ defensive line. He played in 12 of 13 games in 2016, making four starts. He totaled 27 tackles and two pass break ups. Bell originally signed with Kentucky out of Pearl River Community College. He redshirted in 2015.

Bell injured his right knee during the TaxSlayer Bowl against Georgia Tech and was rehabbing to return. Although he missed spring practice, he was figured to be in the mix for a starting defensive end spot.

Defensive ends T.J. Carter, Calvin Taylor and Kengera Daniel should all have bigger roles now that Bell is out of the picture, with Carter likely being the starter. Kentucky will also be counting on a few key contributors from the incoming freshman class.