This is the best injury report for Oklahoma fans to read this season.
For only the second time since availability reports were released in 2024, the Sooners actually have fewer players listed than their opponent. Ole Miss is even more ravaged by injury ahead of Sunday's rescheduled matchup in Norman. Most notably, the Rebels will be without star running back Kewan Lacy and starting right guard Patrick Kutas.
That still doesn't mean the Sooners are fully healthy, though. There are a few player statuses to keep an eye on before kickoff at noon, and this injury report will be updated until then.
OL Ryan Fodje: OUT
We haven't seen offensive lineman Ryan Fodje out there since the Sooners lost to Kentucky four weeks ago, and now it'll be at least five weeks. But there's apparently progress, though, as he was at least listed as doubtful until Sunday, after being ruled out early every other week.
Fodje is the last Infinity Stone that Bill Bedenbaugh needs to have a fully healthy starting offensive line this season.
Replacement: Where Fodje actually plays when everyone is healthy is still a mystery, but last week, the Sooners' O-line went: Michael Fasusi (LT), Noah Best (LG), Jake Maikkula (C), Heath Ozaeta (RG), E’Marion Harris (RT). Once he's back, Fodje will replace either Ozaeta or Harris.
RB Tory Blaylock: GAME-TIME DECISION
Running back Tory Blaylock had seen an uptick in carries in the last four games and even competed to lead the backfield since he was finally healthy again. Now, he's banged up again.
Blaylock has rushed for 178 yards on 42 attempts in eight games this season. He had a season-high 12 carries for 71 yards against Mississippi State.
He's still RB2 behind Lloyd Avant, but he should get more touches than usual in a game that interim offensive coordinator Jason Witten will have to rely on the ground attack in while rain pours down.
Replacement: Without Blaylock, freshman Jonathan Hatton Jr. should get more touches and maybe his most opportunities of the season if the Sooners keep the ball on the ground. Could we also have an Xavier Robinson sighting?
LB Cole Sullivan: AVAILABLE
A healthy Cole Sullivan has felt rare this season, as he's played in only five games since transferring from Michigan. He was listed as probable most of this week until getting upgraded on game day.
Sullivan could be more valuable than ever in this game as relief if the Rebels get their running game going and draw out drives to leave OU's defense out there longer. He has nine tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss this season.
LB James Nesta: AVAILABLE
James Nesta is another depth piece at linebacker, but he sees fewer snaps if Sullivan is healthy. He's recorded 20 tackles this season and recovered a fumble.
Nesta was listed as questionable until becoming available on Sunday.
DL Kenny Ozowalu: OUT
Kenny Ozowalu also spent all of last week on the availability report before playing only two snaps against Florida, but he won't get the same result this week. His status was worse this week, as he was listed as questionable throughout the week after being probable a week ago.
Ozowalu's versatility makes him a solid depth piece along the defensive line, as he's able to play the interior and on the edge. That could have come in handy today, with long drives expected.
Other OU players out
- LB Taylor Heim: out
- CB Dakoda Fields: out
- WR Trell Harris: out
- TE Trynae Washington: out
- OL Fred Hinton: out
Ole Miss injury report
- RB Kewan Lacy: out
- LB Keaton Thomas: out
- WR Izaiah Hartrup: out
- S Edwin Joseph: out
- LB Ant Davis Jr.: out
- WR Kervin Johnson Jr.: out
- LB JaMichael Garrett: out
- S Gerald Lacy Jr.: out
- S Nascar McCoy: out
- OL Carius Curne: out
- OL Patrick Kutas: out
- S MJ Preston: out
- DE Kam Franklin: questionable
- S Sharif Denson: questionable
- RB Makhi Frazier: questionable
- DT Will Echoles: probable
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