Former Sooner Braxton sign with Cleveland: Former Sooner offensive tackle Branndon Braxton has signed a free-agent contract with the Cleveland Browns. Braxton started at right tackle for OU in 2007, but lost his starting job to Trent Williams last season. He also battled various injuries that kept him from playing much in 2008. (The Oklahoman)
Manny Johnson likely out at Kansas State: Coach Bob Stoops said Monday that wide receiver Manny Johnson, who suffered a dislocated elbow in the win over Kansas, is "doubtful" for Saturday's game at Kansas State. "He's doubtful for this week," Stoops said. "His elbow was dislocated. It's back (in place). There are no other issues around it. There's a chance by the end of the week he'll be comfortable enough to play. But it's questionable this week and likely (he'll be able to play) after that." (The Oklahoman)
Eldridge and Braxton update: After practice Monday night, Stoops said tight end and captain Brody Eldridge was getting closer to being ready to play this week after spraining an ankle last week. Stoops said Eldridge was likely to play at Manhattan. Stoops on Sunday said offensive lineman Branndon Braxton also was closer to rejoining the rotation at left tackle and guard, but still has issues with a leg injury suffered vs. TCU. (Tulsa World)
Bradford nominated for All-American Player of the Week: Four nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Week award have been announced after the seventh week of college football action, and now it's up to fans to determine the winner. University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, University of Iowa running back Shonn Greene, University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and Penn State University running back Evan Royster have been selected by ESPN as this week's top candidates, based on the players' outstanding performances over the weekend. Fans can text message VOTE to 51234 on their wireless phone to opt in for the chance to vote. (Find more info at espnallamerica.com)
Braxton held out of Monday's practice: Oklahoma senior right tackle Branndon Braxton - the Sooners' top reserve offensive lineman - missed practice Monday with an injury, OU coach Bob Stoops said. Stoops said, however, that Braxton is expected to practice Tuesday in preparation for the top-ranked Sooners' game Saturday at Baylor. Braxton appeared to injure his lower leg Saturday in OU's home win against TCU. (Dallas Morning News) Other injury updates, both offensive tackle Trent Williams and tight end Jermaine Gresham both practiced Monday.
Nothing into Williams replacing Braxton: Stoops said there wasn't anything to read into the fact that Trent Williams replaced Branndon Braxton as starting right tackle Saturday. "They're both good players," he said. "It gives guys a chance to spell some other guys." (Tulsa World)
Bradford leads the nation: Redshirt freshman starting QB Sam Bradford leads the nation in passing efficiency at 237.7. (Dallas Morning News)
Braxton and Williams returned to practice Monday: Senior free safety Darien Williams and offensive tackle Branndon Braxton returned to practice Monday. For Williams, it was the first practice of the year. Offseason knee surgery kept him out of spring practice, and a surgically repaired stress fracture in his foot forced him to miss the beginning of training camp. "He was a little rusty out there," defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. "Gotta get to communicating, quit thinking. But it was good to see him back." Braxton's ankle injury was minor. (NewsOK.com)
Sooners to find direction at QB this week? Oklahoma could see some movement in the quarterback race by the end of the week, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Monday."This is a big week," he said. "We're going to work on our identity, No. 1. I think as this week goes, we need to probably start making the decisions."The Sooners have set a mini-scrimmage for Wednesday and another major scrimmage Saturday night. (Star-Telegram)
Patrick on crutches at practice: Senior running back Allen Patrick, the Sooners' expected starter, left Monday morning's practice on crutches with his right foot in a protective boot. (Dallas Morning News)
Pair of Sooners demoted: DeMarcus Granger and Steven Coleman, who both saw significant action last season, were demoted because they showed up to preseason camp out of shape. "It's all about playing hard," [Jackie] Shipp said. (Norman Transcript)
Williams replacing Braxton, practicing well: The Sooners suffered their own loss on Saturday, with right offensive tackle Branndon Braxton going out with a broken bone in his lower leg. Braxton underwent surgery Sunday and is lost for the season. True freshman Trent Williams, who replaced Braxton Saturday night, will take over at right tackle. Impressive in practice, Williams had been getting some meaningful minutes. "We think Trent's pretty good," said offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. "He's played very well. We have a lot of confidence in Trent's ability. That's why we've been playing him." (NewsOK.com)
Smith back to practice: Head coach Bob Stoops said strong safety Reggie Smith practiced Monday after a bruised knee kept him out of practice last week and limited him to passing downs against Colorado. (Tulsa World) Sooners will turn to freshman on line: Norman Transcript
Peterson coaches along Patrick: The man they call "All Day" became All Coach. "He kept coming up to me and telling me certain things I needed to do, things he saw that I couldn't see," starting tailback Allen Patrick said. "Like, I was trying to cut the ball inside and he said, 'Go outside, it's there, it's there.' So we started working towards that, going outside, and things started happening. He's a good guy and I appreciate the things he do for me." Patrick had 35 carries for 110 yards in Peterson's place. (NewsOK.com)
Right Tackle Braxton Injury: Right tackle Branndon Braxton broke a bone in his leg with about six minutes remaining in the third quarter and had to be carted off the field. Coach Bob Stoops said Braxton was probably out for the rest of the season. Braxton was replaced by freshman Trent Williams, who has gotten a fair amount of playing time recently as a reserve. Braxton's injury is the second major one along the offensive line this season. Center Jon Cooper missed the Middle Tennessee game with an injured ankle. (Dallas Morning News)
Brown sees some playing time: True freshman running back Chris Brown was brought out of redshirt Saturday night to help fill the void of Peterson. Kevin Wilson said Brown earned the playing time with a strong week of practice. "Some of the coaches will tell you (true freshman) Mossis Madu is playing as well as any freshman, but Chris Brown had the best week of practice," Wilson said. "We just had a little more confidence with him." Brown's first appearance came midway through the fourth quarter, though he didn't get a carry until the final two minutes. (NewsOK.com)
Smith sees little playing time: Sophomore Reggie Smith saw his workload lightened because of a bruised knee suffered against Iowa State. Nic Harris started at safety and Smith came in as a deep safety in passing situations. That got Smith onto the field, but he was purposely kept far from the action. (Dallas Morning News)
Lofton gets first start: Sophomore Curtis Lofton earned his first start at strongside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables has been saying for weeks he wants to give Lofton more time. When strongside starter Demarrio Pleasant injured his finger recently, Lofton finally got his chance. (Tulsa World)
