Blake Bell out with knee sprain

NORMAN, Okla. -- Blake Bell's transition to tight end has undergone a setback.

The former Oklahoma quarterback suffered a knee sprain this week and will miss the rest of the Sooners' practice, a source confirmed to ESPN.com.

The injury, however, is not expected to require surgery, and Bell should be ready to rejoin the Sooners on the field in time for the preseason in August.

Bell started eight games at quarterback as a junior last season but eventually lost the job to freshman Trevor Knight, who led the Sooners to a win over Alabama in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

Instead of transferring or backing up Knight, the 6-foot-6, 265-pound Bell asked to try out tight end this spring. Up until the injury, Bell had been impressing with his ability to get open down the field and catch the ball.

"Blake Bell has looked good," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops told reporters earlier this week. "He scored a touchdown in one of our team deals. He's got great hands."

Bell's injury was reported earlier by SoonerScoop.com. Former Sooners center Gabe Ikard took to Twitter on Friday night to support Bell.

Don't worry people....@B_Bell10 will recover and have a huge year at tight end. #Boomer

- Gabe Ikard (@GabeIkard) April 5, 2014