Eugene, Ore. - Oregon football will be without one of their best offensive players for a significant time.

Oregon has announced freshman left tackle Penei Sewell is out for the next six weeks with an ankle injury suffered against the Washington Huskies.

“Penei is a relentless competitor and I have no doubt he’ll return better than ever,” said Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal Tuesday via release.

Sewell started the first six games at left tackle for the Ducks and is currently ranked the No. 6 tackle in the nation, according to Pro Football Focus. The Saint George, Utah, native was the first Oregon true freshman to start along the offensive line in a season opener since 1997.

Sewell's return could come late in the season if the healing process is faster than expected, but more than likely he's going to be out for the remainder of the regular season.

"It's hard to tell. He's got to heal up. Healing injuries then rehabbing a guy back is so different. Everyone heels differently. He is a little bit of a freak of nature in a way his body develops. Hopefully, he'll heal sooner than later. It'll be about player safety first, player welfare first," said Cristobal on Tuesday.

"I feel terrible for him. You've seen the way he competes. This is his passion. I know he'll miss it a ton.

"It's tough for him. This is his passion. He loves his teammates. he's an impactful football player that has really done a good job helping us establish a certain demeanor up front.

He also understands that this is sometimes the nature of the game and that it's unforgiving. During this time there could also be a lot of improvement in terms of the way he analyzes film, studies his opponents, studies himself. He has six games and 100 practices to study on himself. He'll use this time wisely and he'll come back more motivated than ever. I think at the end you'll see a better Penei Sewell."

On Tuesday after practice, Oregon's Brady Aiello spoke about the injury and the likely hood of replacing Sewell.

"It sucks. You never want to see your fellow teammates go down," said junior offensive tackle Brady Aiello. "It's kind of one the worst feelings you can get seeing your teammate go down.

"It's not guaranteed for anyone. One play could be your last play."

"He just stood out as a guy who flashes tremendous potential," Cristobal said earlier this season. "He’s more than just potential, he’s doing it now. He’s playing beyond his years with a physicality that’s hard to match."

"In my eyes, he’s another Tyrell Crosby," Tony Brooks-James said of Sewell. "They have the same size, and play the same, and are both a child at heart. Tyrell is a big child at heart, but you’ve got to love him for who he is."

Earlier this season, junior offensive lineman Shane Lemieux said the Ducks have had a seamless transition between Crosby and Sewell at left tackle, which speaks volumes of the talent that Sewell brought to the Oregon offensive line.

"He knew exactly what was happening," Lemieux said. "We didn't have to say a word to each other. I think we are just clicking. We'll work on our timing and get it down real good."

In place of Sewell, the Ducks will likely shift starting right tackle Calvin Throckmorton over to left tackle and bring in junior tackle Brady Aiello off the bench to right tackle. After the game on Saturday, Throckmorton talked to the media about the injuries on the offensive line and playing left tackle in place of Sewell.

“I mean the only really adjustment you need to make is flipping schemes in your head. Other than that, throughout the who week we can prepare. You can hope for the best, but you should expect the worst when it comes to anything through the course of a game. We just always want to make sure we are ready and we were."

Throckmorton has shown his versatility in practice and game situations, being able to play anywhere on the line.

"I have full confidence that I could play all five positions on the offensive line. The only position that I haven’t played in practice or a game is left guard but I have no doubt in my mind that I’d be able to slide down there if I needed to."