One of the biggest plays of the season could have cost the Oklahoma Sooners one of their biggest playmakers for some time.
OU defensive end R Mason Thomas scored a touchdown on a 71-yard fumble return in the first quarter against Tennessee on Saturday night, but Thomas was injured during the play and isn't expected return to the primetime matchup.
R Mason Thomas injured during scoop-and-score
According to ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe during the broadcast, Thomas immediately went to OU's medical tent after the massive play with a right hamstring injury. Rowe then updated later that Thomas tried to explode from a stance while on the sideline but couldn't push off his injured right leg.
OU defensive end Owen Heinecke leveled Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar to force a fumble that perfectly hopped into Thomas' hands. Thomas then stiff-armed a would-be tackler for several yards before sprinting the rest of the way to the end zone to even the score at 7-7 early on.
Thomas slowed down before he even reached the end zone and was obviously hurt as he limped off the field with some help from teammates afterward.
THERE GOES THAT MAN pic.twitter.com/cE3lEVeeW7
— Stormin In Norman (@StorminInNorman) November 2, 2025
Taylor Wein has filled in for Thomas since he's been on the sideline. Despite missing one of their best pass rushers in Thomas, the Sooners have still gotten after Aguilar with three sacks in the first quarter. Two of those came without Thomas on the field.
OU head coach Brent Venables said at halftime he wasn't sure if Thomas would be back, but during the interview, Thomas was shown still needing help to get back to the locker room.