Defensive end Peanut Whitehead suffered a severe injury and his football career at the University of Louisville is over, announced head coach Steve Kragthorpe.

Whitehead was diagnosed with cogenital cervical spinal stenosis, the same injury that ended Mike Donoughue's career following the Cincinnati game. Whitehead suffered the injury on a tackle early in the 38-31 loss to West Virginia on November 8.

After seeing a specialist in Indianapolis, Ind. on Thursday, it was decided that Whitehead's football career was over. The 6-6, 250-pounder from Birmingham, Ala., played in nine games for the Cardinals this season, recording 25 tackles and two sacks.

As a true freshman last season, Whitehead played in all 13 games and recorded 16 tackles and four sacks.

"We extremely disappointed for Peanut that he will never be able to play again," said Kragthorpe. "However, We're thankful that he'll be ok from a physical standpoint. Peanut is a great kid and he will be successful in whatever he chooses to do."