Thursday's availability report looks better for Sooners ahead of Auburn

Thursday’s availability report ahead of Oklahoma vs. Auburn was certainly better than the first for the Sooners.

The initial report on Wednesday had seven offensive linemen listed as either out or questionable for the Sooners, but on Thursday, three of the four questionable players were upgraded to probable, insinuating they should play against Auburn at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday in Norman for OU’s SEC opener.

Oklahoma injury update before Auburn

Center Jake Maikkula, left tackle Michael Fasusi and right guard Febechi Nwaiwu were elevated to probable. All three should start on Saturday, so it could have been detrimental for the Sooners if the trio was sidelined.

Offensive lineman Isaiah Dent and defensive end Marvin Jones Jr. were listed as questionable still. If Jones can’t go, the Sooners would be without both of their starting defensive ends for the first half because of R Mason Thomas’ suspension from a targeting call last week against Temple.

Defensive end Danny Okoye was listed as probable, though, so can fill in at one of those spots if needed. The Sooners are pretty deep at the position with Taylor Wein and Adepoju Adebawore also available.

Wide receivers Keontez Lewis and Zion Kearney were also probable. Kearney was questionable on Wednesday. Lewis has been probable both days, so appears to be in the clear after taking a hard hit to the helmet in the second quarter against Temple and never returning.

With Kearney and Lewis now expected to play, that means Javonnie Gibson, listed as doubtful, is the only impactful receiver the Sooners could be missing on Saturday. Gibson broke his leg during spring ball and has yet to make his OU debut after transferring from Arkansas-Pine Bluff this offseason.

An updated report will be released on Friday evening, then the final one before kickoff on Saturday.

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