Sooners handed lengthy injured list before hosting LSU

The grind of 11 games is evident on the Oklahoma Sooners’ injured list heading into their regular-season finale against LSU. 

The initial SEC Availability Report on Wednesday evening ahead of the No. 8 Sooners hosting the Tigers on Saturday included 10 OU players, as well as 10 for LSU, featuring a familiar name in former OU wide receiver Nic Anderson. 

Jake Maikkula, R Mason Thomas injury update

Although the availability report was loaded for the Sooners, offensive lineman Troy Everett, who’s already been ruled out for the season, was the only player listed as out, at least for the entire game. Defensive back Reggie Powers III will miss the first half after being ejected in the second half against Missouri last week. 

There were four OU players listed as doubtful, which gives athletes a 25% chance of playing this week. Offensive linemen Jacob Sexton and Jake Taylor were no surprise there, but fans will keep a close eye on defensive end R Mason Thomas and cornerback Gentry Williams. Both are starters who have missed the Sooners’ last two games with injuries and will now likely miss a third. 

Starting defensive tackle Jayden Jackson was also back on the report as questionable after being sidelined two games ago and returning last week. Offensive lineman Heath Ozaeta also missed the last game and was tagged as questionable on Wednesday. 

A surprise addition to the report was starting center Jake Maikkula, who could be the most vital asset for the Sooners among the injured players. Listed as questionable, if Maikkula can’t go, it would likely be redshirt junior Gunnar Allen making his first career start after barely playing the last three seasons. Allen is also listed as OU’s backup right guard. 

The next SEC Availability Report will be released at 7:10 p.m. CT on Thursday to hopefully provide more clarity on who the Sooners will be without against LSU in what’s a must-win game for OU to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.