Oklahoma had been hoping all week that one of its more talented pass-catchers would be ready for Bedlam, but he is not.
Austin Stogner went down in the Kansas game two weeks ago, went to the locker room and then missed the rest of the game. The bye week came at a good time for players like him, and Lincoln Riley voiced some confidence that things were progressing well there on Monday
“Doing better,” Riley said on the Big 12 teleconference. “Sore. I imagine the off week, there was some benefit to him there having some time. So, haven’t had ‘em back on the field yet this week, so we’ll get him back out there, see how he’s doing. Sore last week, but making improvements.”
Things, though, have not progressed in the way Oklahoma and Stogner wanted this week. He has been a game-time decision and there was even hope of him playing on Thursday night.
That won’t be the case, a source close to the situation told Sooners Wire. Stogner will not be playing against Oklahoma State as he still recovers from a deep thigh bruise and a lingering knee issue suffered in the Kansas game. It is unclear if he will be ready for the West Virginia game a week from now.
Stogner is the Sooners’ second-leading receiver and Spencer Rattler’s safety blanket on third down. He has 410 receiving yards and three touchdowns in seven games this year.
At the same time, a source told Sooners Wire that experienced H-Back Brayden Willis will in fact make his return to the field on Saturday. That will give Oklahoma a big boost alongside starter Jeremiah Hall and budding freshman Mikey Henderson.
Riley said Spencer Rattler is 100 percent and Sooners Wire can’t confirm whether more people than Austin Stogner will be out for Bedlam.
Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are scheduled to kickoff at 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC.
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