Jackson, Carter both questionable for Sun Bowl: The Oklahoma Sooners could be without two of their starting defensive backs for today’s Sun Bowl against Stanford. Cornerback Brian Jackson suffered a concussion this week in practice and is doubtful to play, while free safety Quinton Carter is ill. (The Oklahoman) UPDATE: CB Brian Jackson (concussion), S Quinton Carter (illness) are both dressed and doing warm ups.
Brian Lepak injured during practice: Ten days before Oklahoma faces Stanford in the Brut Sun Bowl, coach Bob Stoops said Monday that center Brian Lepak could miss the bowl game with a sprained knee, putting the Sooners in position to start a fourth player at center this season. "He just got rolled up. We were in our inside drill, and somebody -- we have knee braces on and all -- just rolled into him," Stoops said. "It's a sprain, unsure of the degree. We'll just have to see." (AP/ESPN.com)
Injured OL Brian Simmons felt OK after Tech game: Senior offensive lineman Brian Simmons had no adverse effects through the weekend after returning from a knee injury on Saturday. Though the knee was still heavily wrapped Monday, Simmons said he didn't have to come in Sunday for any extra treatment. He said he didn't have any outstanding pain after the return. "I kind of doubted if I'd be able to perform as well," he said. "But I did for the most part. I think I played OK coming back from an injury, but to my normal standards, I could have played better." (The Oklahoman)
Stoops: Ryan Reynolds likely to miss Bedlam: Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops says it's doubtful starting middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds will play in the Sooners' rivalry game this week against No. 11 Oklahoma State.
Reynolds strained his hamstring in the Sooners' 41-13 loss at Texas Tech on Saturday and was replaced by Austin Box. (AP/The Oklahoman)
Despite injury Adrian Taylor expected play vs OSU: For once, the injury news out of Oklahoma on Monday morning was encouraging. Defensive tackle Adrian Taylor, who hurt his lower leg during Saturday's 41-13 loss at Texas Tech, should be in OU's lineup Saturday against Oklahoma State. Asked on the Big 12 teleconference what exactly Taylor injured, OU coach Bob Stoops replied: "I'd rather not say, because I believe he's going to be able to play." (Tulsa World)
Oklahoma LB Ryan Reynolds likely to miss Bedlam: OU's starting middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds will not play against Oklahoma State next Saturday after sustaining a hamstring injury in the loss yesterday at Texas Tech. The loss of Reynolds is considered especially significant because he is the leader of the defense, calls out assignments, and specializes in stopping the run. Oklahoma State leads the conference in rushing. (OKBlitz.com)
Habern latest Sooner bitten by injury bug: Ben Habern joins a long list of Sooners announced out for the season. Habern, freshman Oklahoma center, suffered a broken fibula in Saturday's 41-13 loss to Texas Tech.
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops announced, after the game, Habern had suffered a broken fibula midway through the second quarter and would be out remainder of the season. He joins a list of nearly a dozen starters, Sam Bradford, Jermaine Gresham, Brody Eldridge, Austin English and Ryan Broyles among them, who missed a game or suffered a season ending injury.
Saturday's loss is Oklahoma's 5th this season, tying the most under Bob Stoops in a season, and most for OU since 1999.
Jonathan Miller, Oklahoma running back, out remainder of season: Freshman running back Jonathan Miller won't play the rest of the regular season and could miss the bowl game due to a damaged knee cartilage he suffered against Texas A&M. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Miller will have surgery this week and could miss a couple weeks, which would bring him back in time for a bowl game. Or he could be out for a couple months and maybe miss spring practice. (Norman Transcript)
Notable Injuries:
TE, Jermaine Gresham (season),
QB, Sam Bradford (season),
DT, DeMarcus Granger (season),
DE, Auston English (season),
OL, Jarvis Jones (season),
TE, Brody Eldridge (season)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Tavaris Jeffries suffers injury: Oklahoma guard Tavaris Jeffries bruised his shoulder during Tuesday's football practice and is questionable for Saturday's game against Texas A&M. Coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday that Jeffries hasn't been ruled out for the game and is still hopeful he'll be able to play. (The Oklahoman)
Oklahoma OL Jarvis Jones out remainder of season: On Tuesday, University of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops announced Jarvis Jones, backup offensive lineman, will be out remainder of the season. Jones, started six games this season, fractured his heel on Saturday in Oklahoma's loss against Nebraska.
Eldridge, English out for season: Defensive end Auston English and tight end/guard Brody Eldridge suffered season-ending injuries Saturday at Nebraska, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Monday. English is scheduled for surgery today to repair a torn tendon in his foot. Eldridge has an AC joint sprain -- the same type shoulder injury that sidelined quarterback Sam Bradford -- but Stoops said his course of treatment has yet to be determined. "[Eldridge's] total situation I will talk about once I have more details," Stoops said. (Star-Telegram)
OU's Brody Eldridge to miss Saturday's Texas A&M game: An Oklahoma offensive line already hounded by penalties and shoddy blocking will be without its most consistent member Saturday night against Texas A&M. Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Monday that starting left guard Brody Eldridge will miss the 6 p.m. matchup with the Aggies due to a shoulder injury sustained during last Saturday's 10-3 loss at Nebraska. Eldridge, according to both Stoops and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, has been OU's highest-grading lineman since moving to guard from tight end before the Oct. 17 game against Texas. (Tulsa World) NOTE: Stoops did not give an update on defensive end Auston English's status concerning Saturday's game.
Reports indicate that procedure went as expected: Sam Bradford underwent successful surgery on his right shoulder Wednesday morning in Birmingham, Ala. Dr. James Andrews, widely recognized for his work on a number of athletes, performed the procedure. The operation began at 10:10 a.m., and was completed by 10:45 a.m. The 2008 Heisman Trophy winner was back in his hospital room by 12:15 p.m. "Dr. Andrews said it was just as we expected," said Sam's father, Kent, who was able to witness part of the operation. "It all looked great in the end and everyone seems to feel very good about it." The elder Bradford said his son was experiencing some soreness, but was otherwise resting comfortably and had already regained his appetite. "He was hungry and he's been eating so that's a good sign," Kent said. The Oklahoma quarterback will go through a limited exercise session on Wednesday and expects to return to his home state sometime in the next 24-48 hours. "The report we got was that everything went about as well as it could and obviously we're very happy for Sam and his family," said OU Head Coach Bob Stoops. "We look forward to getting him back in Norman so that we can assist with his recovery and rehabilitation." (SoonerSports PR)
No updates on Broyles or Carter: Sophomore receiver Ryan Broyles practiced on Wednesday, but no decision has been made on his status for Saturday’s game against Texas. Coach Bob Stoops said a decision would likely be made today or Friday. Junior safety Quinton Carter also practiced, but could be a game-time decision. (The Oklahoman) Both Broyles and Carter have practiced all week.
Note: Oklahoma fullback Matt Clapp will play against Texas on Saturday with a broken hand. Clapp wore a cast against Baylor.
Bradford makes not guarantee of return: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford spoke to reporters for the first time since Sept. 7 on Tuesday and left no doubt he plans to play again this season. "I don't know if I can give you a definite answer. But right now, I do feel like yes, I will be back at some point," he said. The Sooners face Baylor at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Owen Field. Bradford practiced Monday and said his arm feels better than the week before. But he still doesn't know if he'll be ready by Saturday. "That's part of the whole process, being able to make all the throws. All the throws don't happen in the pocket. They happen outside the pocket, off balance, you know, where there's more stress put on your arm. I think as the week goes along, I'm gonna have to figure out what throws I can and can't make." (Norman Transcript)
Latest on Bradford: No timetable given for return: On Monday, Bob Stoops said Sam Bradford, the Heisman Trophy winner won't play until he's "fully capable." "We'll see," Stoops said during Monday's teleconference. "It's too early. I'm not getting into how close or far [he was to playing Saturday against Miami]. The bottom line is he wasn't where he needed to be." Stoops was asked several times about Bradford's availability and wouldn't budge. "Everyone wants me to give them an answer I can't give," Stoops said. "Until you can see a guy progress, how do you know? Until you get out and work it, you don't have any idea." (ESPNDallas.com)
OU WR Ryan Broyles to miss only 2-4 weeks: Sophomore receiver Ryan Broyles fractured his shoulder blade on the Sooners' second play from scrimmage against Miami, but should only miss two to four weeks, said coach Bob Stoops. Stoops originally said Broyles would be out of the lineup four to six weeks, but called the injury a "light fracture" on Monday. The process for Bradford's return would remain the same, and the junior Heisman winner is set to return to practice later today. "Until you see them progress you don't know. Until you get out there and work it, you don't know," Stoops said. (The Oklahoman)
Sooners WR sidelined with fractured shoulder: The Oklahoman, is reporting... University of Oklahoma wide receiver Ryan Broyles suffered a fractured left shoulder during the Sooners 21-20 loss to Miami on Saturday and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. (NewsOK.com)
Indications are Miami could very well play against Sam Bradford this weekend, the Oklahoma quarterback has split snaps with Landy Jones on the first-team offense this week, according to published reports.
The Oklahoman cited an unnamed source close to the program.
On Monday, Bradford rejoined the team in his first practice in full pads since suffering a sprained AC joint on Sept. 5 against BYU. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday evening on his weekly radio program, quarterback Sam Bradford "looked good," although, he wouldn't commit to starting Bradford in Saturday's game.
One reason Bradford is probable to start this weekend, Bradford has not suffered any setbacks in his recovery.
"That's positive in that everything to this point that he has done he has handled in a positive way and he has made daily progress," Stoops said. "That part is encouraging. But it's just too early to determine his status for Saturday. I'm not able to give the answer yet, until we see what Sam's capable of throughout the week. Is he able to make all the throws? Is he able to do it without too much soreness? How does he react the next day?
"All of those things need to be determined, and they won't be determined until we get later in the week, probably sometime Thursday or Friday, and maybe Saturday, depending on how it goes."
Bradford in his only start against Miami (9/07) threw five touchdowns in OU's 51-13 victory.
No decision on Bradford: On Tuesday, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops wouldn't say if Bradford's separated throwing shoulder is healed enough for him to start Saturday. "I'd love to give you an answer so I don't have to answer it the entire week," Stoops said of Bradford's status, "but it's too early in the week and I'm not able to give the answer yet." Stoops said he wouldn't announce the quarterback until "Thursday or Friday [or] maybe Saturday." (Miami Herald)
Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford continued to practice with OU's first team offense Monday, furthering speculation Bradford might play Saturday against No. 17 Miami, although no decision has been made about Bradford's status, coach Bob Stoops said.
"It will be determined on how we go through the week, on how he performs, on how he feels," Stoops said.
Last weekend, Sam Bradford, the Oklahoma Heisman Trophy winning quarterback seeked the opinion from world-renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews.
Meanwhile, Miami coach Randy Shannon said they will prepare for the Oklahoma offense and not either Sam Bradford or Landy Jones.
The No. 8 Sooners travel to Miami play the Hurricanes Saturday 7:00 p.m./CT on ABC.
Stoops: Sam Bradford's recovery is "progressing": Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops refused to discuss the chances of quarterback Sam Bradford playing against Miami Saturday, but gave a rosy outlook Monday morning on the Big 12 coaches teleconference. "Progressing," the Sooner coach said when asked about his quarterback's recovery since suffering a separated shoulder Sept. 5. "All his rehab to this point has been positive." Stoops confirmed Bradford had gone to Birmingham, Ala., over the weekend to visit renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. The physician's opinion wasn't any different from the ones the quarterback has received from OU's medical staff. "It was an extra opinion as much as anything. Our guys have been awesome in their evaluations," Stoops said. (Norman Transcript)
Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford to meet renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews: Television station WAPT, is reporting... Late Friday night, 16 WAPT Sports can confirm that Heisman trophy winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma is on his way to Birmingham, Ala., to meet with world renowned sports surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Bradford sprained his AC joint in his throwing shoulder before halftime in Oklahoma's 14-13 loss to BYU in their first game of the season on Sept. 5. Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops said the initial evaluations by doctors showed that Bradford did not suffer any damage to his collarbone, rotator cuff or other parts of his shoulder. There is no indication that surgery is now needed, but Bradford will be in Birmingham this weekend to receive further evaluation on his injury. (WAPT)
QB Sam Bradford sees limited action in practice: Sam Bradford was a partial participant in Monday afternoon's football practice, throwing short passes during quarterback drills. "I didn't really see him all the way extend, but I've seen him throwing some little 5-, 10-yard passes," said sophomore receiver Ryan Broyles. "It's promising." Bradford sprained the AC joint in his throwing shoulder in the second quarter of the Sooners' opening-game loss to BYU on Sept. 5. Doctors initially ruled the Heisman winner out two-to-four weeks. Broyles said Monday was the first day he saw Bradford at practice. (The Oklahoman)
Brody Eldridge suffers broken finger in loss to BYU: The Tulsa World is reporting, Brody Eldridge, the most effective member of Oklahoma’s lackluster offensive line Saturday, has a broken bone in his finger, coach Bob Stoops confirmed Wednesday after practice. Eldridge did participate in Wednesday's practice and is expected to play Saturday against Idaho State. Earlier this week, OU coaches said Eldridge was working more at tight end, his position the past three years, than at center, where he started in the Sooners' 14-13 loss to BYU. "I think Brody had the best grade of the linemen. He had 20 knockdowns," offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Tuesday. "But I felt we missed an edge with Jermaine being out." (Tulsa World)
Gresham out for season after having season-ending knee surgery: Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham, a preseason All-American, will miss the 2009 season after undergoing knee surgery, Tuesday. The senior led OU in touchdown receptions last season with 14. "We feel badly for Jermaine," said OU Head Coach Bob Stoops. "He worked very hard and very selflessly to get himself ready for the season. We share in the disappointment he is experiencing now and will do everything we can to help him in his rehab efforts. "The good news is that he is expected to heal fully. Many athletes have had this procedure and bounced back at 100 percent. We expect that to be the case for Jermaine." Gresham missed the season opener against BYU, then underwent additional evaluation before athroscopic surgery on Tuesday. (SoonerSports PR)
The latest on Sam Bradford: Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Sunday there has been no update to the shoulder injury suffered by quarterback Sam Bradford since Saturday night's loss to BYU in Arlington, Texas. "We're pursuing every option of rehab and timelines and estimates of what's in their best interest," Wilson said. Bradford suffered a Acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprain late in the first half Saturday when he was driven to the turf by BYU linebacker Coleby Clawson. Bradford was knocked out of the game and spent the second half with ice on his shoulder and his right arm in a sling. (Norman Transcript)
Stoops: Jermaine Gresham will miss season opener: Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops announced today that tight end Jermaine Gresham will miss Saturday's season opener against Brigham Young due to a knee injury. The senior has cartilage damage in his right knee and the evaluation process is continuing. Stoops said that Gresham along with team doctors and athletic training staff are considering treatment options that could have a bearing on his return.(SoonerSports PR)
Report: Jermaine Gresham injures knee: Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham injured his knee in practice this week, three sources with knowledge of the injury have confirmed to The Oklahoman. Neither the severity of the injury nor Gresham's status for Saturday's game against Brigham Young are known. (The Oklahoman) UPDATE: ESPN's Joe Schad is reporting, Jermaine Gresham is not likely to play in Oklahoma's season opener against BYU on Saturday. (ESPN.com)
Report: Linebacker Tom Wort out 2009 season with torn ACL: The Oklahoman's Jake Trotter is reporting.. Oklahoma true freshman middle linebacker Tom Wort has a torn ACL, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Oklahoman. Wort injured the knee during practice Thursday. An MRI confirmed the ACL tear. Wort's injury likely means he'll redshirt this season and still have four years left of eligibility. (The Oklahoman)
Extent of Wort injury unknown: True freshman linebacker Tom Wort suffered a knee injury during Thursday's practice, adding more uncertainty to Oklahoma's outlook at middle linebacker. "He was just jumping up for a ball and came down funny," coach Bob Stoops said. "We're worried about his knee. We'll see what the doctors say. "I can't detail it here today without them having a chance to thoroughly look at it." Wort, of New Braunfels, Texas, was vying for playing time at middle linebacker. His injury complicates OU's situation at the position past starter Ryan Reynolds even further, with the NCAA currently investigating the eligibility of senior middle linebacker Mike Balogun. (The Oklahoman)
DeMarco Murray out a few weeks with strained hamstring: Another injury will keep DeMarco Murray off the field. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said the junior running back strained his right hamstring earlier this summer and will be held out of practice for two weeks as a cautionary measure. "He's had some unlucky breaks because they've been odd injuries and unusual in the way they've happened," Stoops said Friday. "We're just hopeful that he has some luck and those freakish things don't happen again." (The Oklahoman)
Jameel Owens expected to return next week: Despite having a good winter, Jameel Owens missed the first week of spring practice with a sprained ankle. He was wearing a boot on his foot this week but is expected to be back on the field next week. Defensive tackle Cordero Moore had his knee scoped recently and is out for the spring. (The Oklahoman) Others out due to injury include: linebackers Austin Box (elbow) and Ryan Reynolds (knee), defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger (back) and running back DeMarco Murray (leg).
Corey Wilson injured in accident on I-35: Oklahoma wide receiver Corey Wilson has been critically injured in a rollover collision on Interstate 35. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says the 20-year-old from Carrollton, Texas, was flown in critical condition with head and internal injuries to OU Medical Center after the crash about 1 p.m. Friday near Pauls Valley. A hospital spokesman says Wilson's family asked that his condition not be released.The patrol says Wilson was southbound on I-35 when his Chevrolet Trailblazer collided with a pickup, ran off the road and rolled twice, throwing him about 45 feet from the vehicle. (ESPN.com/AP)
Reynolds: I'll get a good three or four months before the season starts: Ryan Reynolds' knee is good to go. So Reynolds told the Tulsa World in a telephone interview last week. The University of Oklahoma linebacker prepares for his senior year having endured his third knee injury -- and his second ACL repair. Reynolds recently got fitted for his new knee brace and began straight-ahead running last Monday. "Then it's just progressing for the next three months," he said. "After that, I'll be cleared for May, June, July and August. I'll get a good three or four months before the season starts."(More at Tulsa World)
DeMarcus Granger to miss BCS Championship: Oklahoma defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger will miss Oklahoma's upcoming BCS title game appearance after undergoing back surgery, OU head coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday. "Our doctors and training staff have worked extensively with DeMarcus and it was finally determined that surgery was necessary," Stoops said. "We're disappointed for DeMarcus and are certainly anxious to do everything we can to assist his recovery." Granger, a junior from Dallas, played in 11 games during the 2008 season, all in a back-up role. He had 20 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries. (Dallas Morning News) In addition, Oklahoma announced earlier this week, DeMarco Murrary will miss the BCS Championship.
Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray out with hamstring injury: Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray will have surgery to repair a hamstring injury and miss the BCS national championship game against Florida. Murray will undergo surgery on Dec. 22 to repair the tendon in his left leg, Sooners' coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday. The championship game is Jan. 8. "Obviously, we're very disappointed for DeMarco," Stoops said in a statement. "He has been an important part of our success this year and we will miss his contributions." Murray was Oklahoma's leading rusher before he was injured in the Big 12 championship game against Missouri on Dec. 6. The injury was first diagnosed as a bruise but an MRI exam revealed the damage. (AP)
Bradford All-American Player of the Year finalist: Sam Bradford is one of four nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Year award. The other finalists are Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell, Texas QB Colt McCoy and Florida QB Tim Tebow. Fans, who will determine the winner, can vote by sending the text message "vote" to the number 51234. Voting is open until noon Jan. 6. Fans are allowed to vote as many times as they want. (The Oklahoman)
Bradford suffers torn ligaments in left hand: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said that sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford has some torn ligaments in his left (non-throwing) hand and will have to have surgery on the hand after the Big 12 championship game Saturday against Missouri in Kansas City. Stoops said Bradford would be fine to play against Missouri but would likely have to wear a soft cast on his left hand. (Dallas Morning News)
Also: Box likely out 3-4 weeks: Stoops said that starting middle linebacker Austin Box will miss three to four weeks with a similar knee sprain that starting defensive end Auston English is recovering from now. Box was injured in OU's win Saturday night at Oklahoma State. (Dallas Morning News)
Oklahoma named team of the week: OU's victory over Tech earned the Sooners this week's Fiesta Bowl national team of the week honors, awarded by the Football Writers Association of America. It was the most points allowed by a Texas Tech team and the second-largest margin of victory against a team ranked No. 2 in the AP poll. The FWAA has awarded a team of the week since 2002. (Tulsa World)
Twelve Sooners earn Academic Honors: Twelve Oklahoma players, including six first-team selections, were announced Tuesday as part of the Big 12 Conference's All-Academic Team. The Big 12 Conference has named 137 student-athletes to the 2008 Academic All-Big 12 Football Team, the league office announced. Nominated by each institution's director of student-athlete support services and its media relations offices, the football academic all-league squad consisted of 91 first team members combined with 46 on the second team. (SoonerSports PR)
First Team Sam Bradford, So., Finance, Oklahoma City, Okla. Derek Gove, Sr., Communications, Carrollton, Texas Travis Lewis, Fr., Undeclared, San Antonio, Texas DeMarco Murray, So., Communications, Las Vegas, Nev. Sam Proctor, Fr., Undeclared, Pearland, Texas Jimmy Stevens, Fr., Undeclared, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Second Team Ryan Broyles, Fr., Undeclared, Norman, Okla. Brandon Caleb So., General Management, Richmond, Va. Auston English, Jr., Soc. Sci./Org. Studies, Canadian, Texas Desmond Jackson, Fr., Undeclared, Seguin, Texas Kyle Johnson, Sr., Petroleum Engineering, Konawa, Okla. Adrian Taylor, So., Sociology, Mansfield, Texas Carter Whitson, Jr., Science Education, Shawnee, Oklahoma
Murray named All-American Player of the Week: DeMarco Murray was named U.S. Army All-American College Player of the Week. Murray rushed for 125 yards and two TDs and caught four passes for 71 yards in OU's 65-21 win over Texas Tech. The award honors an alumnus of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl who had the top performance of a given week. Murray played for the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl West Team. (Tulsa World)
OU's Davis out for Bedlam: Senior defensive end Alan Davis is expected to miss Saturday’s game because of a knee sprain, Stoops said this week. Davis and English, who is also out this week, both missed the Tech game with sprained knees. (The Oklahoman)
Sooners to rest during bye week: OU's bye week couldn't have come at a better time, with several Sooners battling injuries. The latest to go down was defensive end Alan Davis, who suffered a sprained knee Saturday, the same injury that kept defensive end Auston English from suiting up. "We are really banged up," Stoops said. "It's obvious we're playing without some of our best players. It's going to be good to rest up some of these players." (The Oklahoman)
Davis suffers sprained knee? Alan Davis, one of three healthy defensive ends in Oklahoma's rotation, suffered what coach Bob Stoops termed a sprained knee Saturday, similar to the one that will keep end Auston English out through the Nov. 22 Texas Tech game. That would leave Jeremy Beal, Frank Alexander and seldom-used Pryce Macon at defensive end against Tech, unless the Sooners consider pulling the redshirt off freshman R.J. Washington. "I don't know, you hate to do that," defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. "We'll evaluate everything." (Tulsa World)
Congrats to Brent and his wife Julie Venables on a third child.
Stoop, Sooners not looking past Texas A&M: While there was clearly some Sooner celebrating going on over Texas Tech's upset of Texas on Saturday night, Bob Stoops said the focus going forward won't be on OU's revived chances in the Big 12 South and nationally. It'll be on Texas A&M. "That's what it is," Stoops said. "We've got Texas A&M. We've got to hopefully continue to make improvement and be at our best when we go down there and play." (The Oklahoman)
OU Injury update:Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said wide receiver Manny Johnson did not re-injure his right elbow against Nebraska. The senior played early, but was on the sideline for the last three quarters. "Manny is fine, he just didn't quite feel comfortable enough once he was out there," Stoops said. "He hasn't set himself back any." It was the same case for tight end Brody Eldridge. He played in the first quarter, but was in street clothes and wearing a medical boot on his right foot by the end of the game. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Eldridge's removal was precautionary. The Sooners were up 35-0 by the end of the first quarter. "Brody got kicked by one of our own guys and kind of aggravated his ankle," he said. "I thought, well we're doing good so If I don't need him I'm going to hold him." (Norman Transcript) No word on Auston English's status.
Manny Johnson update: Oklahoma wide receiver Manuel Johnson walked off Owen Field with his left arm in a sling Saturday, after dislocating his elbow on the Sooners' fifth play. Afterward, coach Bob Stoops said: "It's probably likely that he'll play this week." "He said it hurts, but he thinks he'll be back soon," OU wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias said. "I hope he's back soon." (Tulsa World)
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.
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Mensik suffers ankle injury: Third-string tight end Eric Mensik has a broken ankle and will be out for at least a month, Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Tuesday. Mensik suffered the injury in practice during the Sooners' open week when a teammate fell on his ankle during a blocking drill. The sophomore from Rosenberg, Texas, saw significant action in a 55-14 victory over Washington two weeks ago. (The Oklahoman)
Stoops not ready to play R.J. Washington yet: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday that he's not ready to burn a year of eligibility yet for freshman defensive end R.J. Washington. Stoops said Washington is still getting adjusted to the Sooners' defense. "If you just play a 4-3 and let those guys get wide and go, then he'd be in there," Stoops said. "There is just so much when you zone blitz. Who's dropping? Who's blitzing. Where you're blitzing. Is he twisting around somebody or is he going straight? R.J. is a bright, young guy who is doing great. We're probably just a little bit too complex in all that we ask these guys to do. We just fear that we're going to play him and, through the whole year, it's not going to be enough to warrant giving up his year." (Dallas Morning News)
Stoops open to moving conference games earlier: [The] OU coach was asked if he would be willing to play a Big 12 Conference opponent over the first few weeks of a season, thereby bumping one of the nonconference games down the calendar a bit. "I'd be open to it," he said. "I see the benefits for your crowd and for media and fan interest and college football's interest, to have a conference game somewhere in there early." As to how soon into a season Stoops would feel comfortable playing a conference foe? "I'd prefer three (weeks)," he said. "Sometimes two's enough, depending on how many guys you have coming back." (Tulsa World)
UPDATE: Frank Alexander still recovering recovering: Oklahoma redshirt freshman Frank Alexander won't play again this week as he continues to recover from a stab wound, OU coach Bob Stoops said Monday. "He's getting closer," Stoops said. "They're progressing him. He's doing more. I'm not sure exactly when [he'll return]." (Dallas Morning News)
DeMarcus Granger out at least 4 weeks: Oklahoma junior defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger of Kimball will be out at least a month and could miss the rest of the season because of a left foot injury he suffered Saturday in a win at Washington, Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday. Stoops said that Granger and team physicians are considering two treatment options. One option is to allow the foot to heal, which Stoops said could take four to five weeks. The other is to undergo surgery and have a pin inserted into his foot, which would cause Granger to miss the remainder of the season. Stoops said he would make an announcement on the choice that is made once a decision on the treatment has been reached. (Dallas Morning News)
Frank Alexander still recovering after stabbing: Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops still doesn't have a timetable for freshman defensive end Frank Alexander to return to the field. Alexander was stabbed in during an incident at a Norman night club Aug. 31. His right arm was injured and he's been wearing a medical brace since. "He's improving, but we still have to wait week to week to see how far along his muscle is," Stoops said. Stoops said it's very doubtful Alexander will be back for this week's game at Washington. (Norman Transcript)
Sam Bradford nominated for AT&Ts All-American player of the Week: Quarterback Sam Bradford is one of four nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Week award. The other nominees are Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant, East Carolina quarterback Patrick Pinkney and Michigan State running back Javon Ringer. Fans can text message VOTE to 51234 on their wireless phones for the winner. Fans have until 10:59 p.m. Wednesday to submit votes. The winner will be announced during Thursday's ESPN College Football Primetime Presentation. (ESPNAllAmerican.com)
Caleb close to returning? [Bob] Stoops said wideout Brandon Caleb, wearing a protective boot during the Cincinnati game, is "closer. He had an ankle sprain last week during practice. It's mild. It's not a high way. So we're hoping he's back this week." (Tulsa World)
Quinton Carter expected out 2-3 weeks: Oklahoma backup strong safety Quinton Carter is expected to be out at least two weeks after undergoing minor knee surgery, coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday. Carter, a sophomore out of Las Vegas, was sharing a reserve role with redshirt freshman Desmond Jackson behind returning starting free safety Lendy Holmes. (The Oklahoman)
Austin Box has knee surgery; "doubtful" for season opener: Oklahoma linebacker Austin Box underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday to repair torn cartilage in his left knee. OU head coach Bob Stoops said that the anticipated recovery time is three weeks. Stoops called Box "doubtful" for the season opener against Tennessee-Chattanooga, but "probable" for game two against Cincinnati. (SoonerSports.com)
DeMarco Murray returns to practice: Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray has returned to practice at full speed this week. He was hobbled by an ankle sprain throughout the first week. "I did some of the practice stuff, but I haven't really been able to go all out until this week," Murray said following Tuesday's practice. "It's good to get back out there." OU coach Bob Stoops said Murray isn't showing any lingering effects. "He looked fine today," Stoops said. "That (ankle injury) was a minor deal." (Norman Transcript)
Jaz Reynolds verbally commits to OU: Monday night, Oklahoma got a commitment from Jaz Reynolds, a three-star receiver out of Aldine (Texas) Eisenhower High School. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Reynolds chose the Sooners over a host of schools, including Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska and Virginia. "I had been up to OU a couple of times, saw them play A&M, went to their junior day," Reynolds said. "When they offered, I just wanted to be a Sooner." Reynolds was recruited by first-year OU wide receivers coach Jay Norvell. (The Oklahoman)
Mensik back after hamstring injury: Assistant coach Kevin Wilson said he hasn't identified the third player to go with Jermaine Gresham and Brody Eldridge in his three-tight end set just yet. It likely will be Eric Mensik, but he's been out with a sore hamstring. Mensik returned to practice this week. "It's kind of a weird deal," Wilson said. "It's not a pull. It's kind of like where it attaches to the bone. They keep looking at it. It's a pain tolerance deal." (Tulsa World)
Deep snapper Shaw recovering: Veteran deep snapper Derek Shaw is still wearing a boot on his foot after partially severing his Achilles tendon early in the summer. Shaw, who's been OU's deep snapper the past two seasons, said he's hoping to be back in time for Chattanooga. "The problem isn't snapping," Shaw said. "It's blocking and the footwork." (The Oklahoman)
Gresham on leaving to the NFL early: Wednesday he (Jermaine Gresham) said an early jump is unlikely. "My first goal here is to get a degree," Gresham said. "I really don't see that (leaving early) happening. The other reason is I don't think I'm good enough. "If I had (Adrian Peterson's) talent, it would be a no-brainer. But I don't have that kind of talent." (Norman Transcript)
DeMarco Murray suffers minor ankle sprain: Running back DeMarco Murray saw limited work Friday after suffering what coach Bob Stoops said is a "slight sprain on his ankle" during practice Wednesday. "He's fine," Stoops said. "It's a minor one. We were limited in what we had him do today. It's a small twist that wasn't a big deal." (The Oklahoman)
English has emergency appendectomy; expected back by season-opener: Preseason Big 12 defensive player of the year Auston English is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for an emergency appendectomy last weekend in Norman, Okla. Oklahoma sports information director Kenny Mossman said Monday that OU doctors believe English will be ready for the Sooners' opener Aug. 30 against Chattanooga. The Sooners begin preseason team practices next Monday. "The operation is already a week old and he's begun his recuperation," Mossman said. "Our trainers think he can make a complete recovery and be ready for the opening game of the season." (ESPN.com)
Box expected out remainder of spring football: Enid's Austin Box is expected to miss the rest of Oklahoma's spring football practice with a sprained elbow. "That was the likely scenario, according to coach (Bob) Stoops," said OU sports information director Kenny Mossman. Box, who redshirted as a true freshman, was starting at linebacker before his injury. He did not play in the Sooners' first major scrimmage Saturday. Mossman said he didn't know when the injury occured. Box dislocated the same left elbow during his senior season at Enid. Box could not be reached for comment Monday night. (The Enid News & Eagle)
Agent clears up rumors about Malcolm Kelly's health: Agent Chad Speck sent a letter to all 32 NFL teams Monday, along with a letter from the doctor who has been treating Kelly, to let them know that the receiver projected as a possible first-round draft pick is healthy. The injury first was diagnosed as a deep thigh bruise, but Kelly actually had a small quadriceps tear. The agent also pointed out that Dr. Michael Hatrak of Alpharetta, Ga., also found "all other structures assessed within normal limits." Kelly tore an ACL in junior high and had arthroscopic knee surgery during his sophomore year at Oklahoma. "The intent of the letter is certainly to end speculation on Malcolm's health status," Speck said. "He is 100 percent healthy and as Dr. Hatrak states, has no further risk of injury." "The rumors that are currently circulating regarding his knees are irresponsible and untrue!" Speck wrote to NFL general managers and scouts. (The Oklahoman)
Broyles suffers broken collarbone in practice; out remainder of the spring: Once again, Ryan Broyles has been shut down just when it seemed he was getting started. Coach Bob Stoops said Monday that on March 12, during a scrimmage in the closing minutes of Oklahoma's final practice before spring break, Broyles, the Sooners' fleet-footed freshman wide receiver, sustained a broken collarbone. "He'll be all right," Stoops said Monday, after the fifth of 15 spring practices. "That's something that shouldn't be a big deal." Stoops said Broyles had stood out once again in his first four spring practices before the injury. "Yeah, Ryan was having a really good camp," said receivers coach Jay Norvell. "He's a young guy that just needed to play, and he got more reps than anybody the first couple weeks of camp before he got hurt, and he was really learning from those opportunities and gaining confidence from those opportunities."(Tulsa World)
Saturday scrimmage open to public:Coach Stoops announced Saturday's public scrimmage will begin at 11 a.m. at Memorial Stadium and open to the public.
Ryan Reynolds injury:Linebacker Ryan Reynolds suffered a sprained ankle on Monday but "should be back in a day or so." (Tulsa World)
