Sooners down to two RBs at practice, but it’s not time to panic

The Oklahoma Sooners were down to the nubs at running back during Wednesday's practice, but there should be no reason to panic, at least not yet.

With local media at a portion of OU's fall camp on Wednesday, multiple reporters mentioned on X that the Sooners were down to only two healthy running backs, forcing OU great and running backs coach DeMarco Murray to fill in during some drills.

Sooners have multiple RBs out with 'minor' injuries

With seven on the roster at the position, that would mean five running backs were unable to practice at least for the day, raising a bright red flag for Sooner Nation after enduring a 2024 season full of major injuries.

However, after the concerns arose, Rivals' Parker Thune reported that Jaydn Ott, Xavier Robinson and Taylor Tatum all sat out with minor injuries, and Thune emphasized that the injuries were just minor as OU has been extra cautious after last year's issues. Thune posted that all three were dressed and participated in rehab exercises throughout the portion of practice media was present for.

The biggest worry of the bunch would be Ott, who should be the Sooners' lead back after transferring from California as a top Transfer Portal prospect. Not only will Ott be a valuable weapon to the offense, but he was also limped most of last season with an ankle injury.

Ott recently admitted that his ankle injury was handled poorly at Cal and he should had rested multiple weeks instead of pushing through and never getting fully healthy. Ott also said then that he's fully recovered from the injury now. However, Ott's prior experience mixed with OU's injury problems last year would lead the Sooners to be even more cautious with Ott during this preseason.

Last season in 10 games, Ott rushed for just 385 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 3.3 yards a carry. But when healthy in 2023, Ott led the Pac-12 with 1,305 rushing yards and 12 TDs with a 5.3 yards-per-carry average. Obviously the Sooners desperately want the healthiest version of Ott when comparing the difference.

Multiple reports from Wednesday's practice stated that Jovantae Barnes looked great. Barnes' 2024 season was cut short because of injury and he's expected to be Ott's No. 2. Everyone wants Robinson and Tatum to be healthy, but Barnes' health is the most important at RB behind Ott.

Tory Blaylock was the other running back active on Wednesday.

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