Oklahoma fans have been concerned with the future status of defensive end R Mason Thomas since the moment he left early in the Sooners’ game against Tennessee two weeks ago.
On the initial SEC Availability Report on Wednesday evening ahead of the No. 11 Sooners’ trip to No. 4 Alabama on Saturday, Thomas was listed as questionable, which gives the star defender a 50% chance to play in what’s a do-or-die game for the Sooners’ College Football Playoff chances.
R Mason Thomas injury update
Thomas exited in the first quarter against Tennessee on Nov. 1 and never returned to action in the 33-27 win. He injured his quad while returning a fumble for a 71-yard touchdown. He pulled up early during his sprint before limping into the end zone and needing some help coming off the field.
The Sooners have other starting defenders on the injury report this week, including defensive tackle Jayden Jackson (questionable) and linebacker Kobie McKinzie (probable), but Thomas is by far their most vital asset, especially when getting to Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson on Saturday.
Wednesday’s SEC Availability Report ahead of Oklahoma-Alabama: pic.twitter.com/drk9vL99aa
— Stormin In Norman (@StorminInNorman) November 13, 2025
OU is third in college football with 33 sacks through nine games, and Thomas is the one leading that elite pass rush with a team-high 6.5 sacks, which is tied for fifth-most in the SEC. He also has 23 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss this season.
On the plus side, if Taylor is sidelined for a game, the Sooners are exceptionally deep at defensive end, with junior Adepoju Adebawore listed as his backup on OU’s Week 12 depth chart. However, the Sooners need to be as close to 100% as possible with all of their best playmakers with their CFP life on the line against Alabama.