Kansas University running back Rell Lewis, a junior from Muskogee, Okla., injured his knee during Saturday morning’s scrimmage and could be sidelined for a significant period of time, KU officials confirmed to the Journal-World.

Lewis, 5-foot-9, 205 pounds, was listed as a third-string running back on the Jayhawks’ most recent depth chart, which was released Thursday. He appeared in five games in 2009, rushing for 72 yards on 13 carries, but appeared to be in the plans in the KU backfield with the new coaching staff.

With Lewis out, the Jayhawks would open the season with just one running back with game experience in uniform. Sixth-year senior Angus Quigley, listed No. 1 on the depth chart, is the only KU running back to have carried the ball during a game. Sophomore Toben Opurum, the team’s leading returning rusher, was moved to linebacker last week.

Second-stringer Deshaun Sands red-shirted as a freshman in 2009, and true freshmen James Sims and Brandon Bourbon just arrived on campus this summer.

As for Saturday’s scrimmage, the Jayhawks ran through 55 plays at Memorial Stadium around 11 a.m., their first time taking the field since sophomore Kale Pick was named the team’s starting quarterback.

According to a release from the university, Pick threw two touchdowns to senior Johnathan Wilson while splitting reps 50-50 with backup Jordan Webb. Webb also led two scoring drives, one of which was capped by a two-yard TD run from Sims.

Five KU foes crack poll

The Associated Press released its preseason college football poll Saturday, and five KU opponents were ranked or received votes.

Big 12 North favorite Nebraska was the highest-ranked Kansas foe at No. 8 in the poll.

Nonconference foe Georgia Tech, which comes to Lawrence on Sept. 11, is ranked No. 16.

Missouri, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State all received votes, along with fellow Big 12 members Texas (fifth), Oklahoma (seventh) and Texas Tech (14 votes).

Kansas opens the 2010 season at 6 p.m. Sept. 4 at home against North Dakota State.

Fan Appreciation Day today

Jayhawk fans will get a chance to see the 2010 KU football team up close and personal at Fan Appreciation Day today.

The event will coincide with a KU practice, which is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. Gates will open at 4:30, and admission is free.

Following the workout, the entire team will be available for autographs. Fans are asked to limit autograph requests to one item per player or coach.