It's been a week of change for the Oklahoma Sooners, including players actually getting healthier instead of getting worse on the availability report.
Newly appointed interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten will get the rare occurrence in Norman of having nearly his entire starting offensive line healthy for his play-calling debut against No. 24 Florida on Saturday night. That alone should have OU's offense looking better after Ben Arbuckle was fired on Monday.
Starting center Jake Maikkula was removed from the availability report after missing last week against South Carolina. Left tackle Michael Fasusi is also still healthy since his return two weeks ago. That leaves OU without only Ryan Fodje, who will miss his third game in a row.
The Sooners also got good news on the defensive side of the ball, with cornerback Eli Bowen set to return after missing the last four games.
OU, though, can still never go a week without a lengthy injured list. Here is the Sooners' Week 10 injury report, with who needs to step up. The report will be updated until kickoff.
S Peyton Bowen: QUESTIONABLE
Safety Peyton Bowen was also listed on the injury report last week before ultimately being available against South Carolina. Hopefully, it's the same conclusion this week, but he's even healthier, because Bowen is a vital piece of OU's defense as one of 15 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the best defensive back in college football.
Replacement: If Bowen can't go, Michael Boganowski should get the start after also starting last week, even with Bowen available. Florida's QB play won't be as good, but Boganowski made some early mistakes against South Carolina, so the Sooners need Bowen out there.
OL Eddy Pierre-Louis: DOUBTFUL
Offensive lineman Eddy Pierre-Louis hasn't seen the field since Week 4 against Georgia because of an injury. It looks like he will miss another one on Saturday, meaning he's officially been out more games than he's played this season after starting at guard the first three weeks.
Replacement: Freshmen Noah Best and Heath Ozaeta have taken over the guard spots when everyone along the line is healthy. Peyton Joseph, who started two games while Ozaeta and Pierre-Louis were both sidelined, will be used as a reserve on the interior.
WR Elijah Thomas: PROBABLE
Wide receiver Elijah Thomas is on track to make his return after missing the past two games. He's caught five passes for 49 yards this season.
Replacement: Thomas likely lost his starting role while being on the sidelines. Manny Choice has asserted himself as WR2 behind Isaiah Sategna III, and Ivan Carreon made a statement last week for more snaps.
DL Kenny Ozowalu: PROBABLE
Kenny Ozowalu has been a depth piece along the defensive line, with the versatility to play on the edge and at the interior. He's appeared in every game this season after transferring from UTSA. It looks like the Sooners will have him again on Saturday after being on the availability report all week.
Other OU players out
LB Taylor Heim
CB Dakoda Fields
WR Trell Harris
LB Cole Sullivan
TE Trynae Washington
CB Jacobe Johnson
OL Fred Hinton
OL Ryan Fodje
Florida injury report
ILB Jaden Robinson: out
OL Emeka Ugorji: out
TE Evan Chieca: out
DL Jeramiah McCloud: out
WR Vernell Brown III: out
WR Bailey Stockton: probable
DL Emmanuel Oyebadejo: probable
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