Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State injury report: Who's out and who has to step up for the Sooners

The Oklahoma Sooners have plenty of injury concerns of their own, but all eyes are still on Mississippi State's report ahead of this SEC matchup.

Mississippi State star quarterback Kamario Taylor has been listed as questionable all week leading up to the Bulldogs hosting OU at 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday in Starkville. ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on Friday that Taylor is "expected to attempt to play," as he's expected to ultimately be a game-time decision.

Taylor has emerged as a Heisman Trophy contender this season as, statistically, the best quarterback in the SEC. There's doubt that the Bulldogs are a tier lower without him on the field. Mississippi State was shut out by LSU 31-0 last week with Taylor on the sideline because of turf toe. Before getting blanked, the Bulldogs had averaged 39 points per game.

It's obvious Taylor's health has a massive influence on this game for both sides, but the Sooners also have their own injuries to worry about, especially along the offensive line (of course).

Here is OU's injury report for its Week 8 matchup with the Bulldogs, which includes who has to fill in because of the injuries, and will be updated until kickoff as more updates come in.

WR Elijah Thomas: DOUBTFUL

Wide receiver Elijah Thomas was rolled up on in the second quarter against Kentucky last week and never returned. It looks like that will cost him a game after being downgraded to doubtful on Friday's availability report. He has five catches for 49 yards this season after getting a bigger role since Trell Harris' injury.

Replacement: This should open up even more opportunities for Manny Choice, who signed with Thomas in the 2025 class, after he broke out last week and led the Sooners with 98 receiving yards against Kentucky. With or without Thomas, Choice has earned a role as WR2 behind Isaiah Sategna.

CB Eli Bowen: QUESTIONABLE

Starting cornerback Eli Bowen has been a question mark for three weeks now before missing the last two games. He would be a massive boost to help shut down Taylor if he plays.

Replacement: Sophomore Trystan Haynes has done a fine job replacing Bowen in the past two games, but Taylor would be a new type of challenge, especially when it comes to defending deep balls with a host of speedy receivers.

OL Ryan Fodje: OUT

Ryan Fodje was clearly hurt near the end of last week's game against Kentucky before finally coming out. He was then immediately listed as out on the initial availability report. Fodje also missed the season opener, but had started every game since at left tackle to replace Michael Fasusi.

Replacement: This would be the perfect time for the Sooners to get Fasusi back. If not, there will be more shuffling up front, with E'Marion Harris likely switching sides from right tackle to left, and sophomore Peyton Joseph, who made his first career start just last week at right guard, slotting in at right tackle.

OL Eddy Pierre-Louis: OUT

Obviously, the Sooners are thin at tackle, and with Eddy Pierre-Louis out for the third straight game, they have the same problem at guard, especially with Heath Ozaeta also banged up. Pierre-Louis started the first three games of the season at left guard before losing that job to Ozaeta, then ultimately getting sidelined.

OL Heath Ozaeta: QUESTIONABLE

Ozaeta could miss a second straight game and possibly leave the Sooners dangerously thin at guard. He was OU's only reliable depth piece with experience before he cracked the starting lineup again. If he's healthy, he starts; if not, OU will have to test new blood.

Replacement: Joseph started at right guard opposite freshman Noah Best last week with Pierre-Louis and Ozaeta out. Now, though, Joseph could be needed at tackle, so the Sooners will need to find a new solution at guard if given the same problem. The next man up appears to be sophomore Owen Hollenbeck, who would make his first career start.

OL Michael Fasusi: QUESTIONABLE

Fasusi's return would be the Sooners' greatest blessing after being sidelined since he injured his shoulder in the first quarter of OU's season opener. He's not only OU's best offensive lineman, but he would also free up more options elsewhere up front.

Replacement: Fodje has been filling in for Fasusi, but obviously that can't happen this week. No Fasusi would require some shuffling, with Harris probably switching to the left side and Joseph stepping up on the other side.

Other OU players out

LB Taylor Heim
WR Trell Harris
TE Trynae Washington
CB Jacobe Johnson
RB Xavier Robinson

Mississippi State injury report

LB Jalen Smith: out
S Isaac Smith: out
WR Ayden Williams: out
DL Trevion Williams: out
DL Diesel Moye: out
QB Kamario Taylor: questionable

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow