This offseason, the Oklahoma Sooners’ coaching staff highlighted their improved “competitive depth” from the 2022 season. That depth is being put to the test early in 2023, as injuries to several starters will force the Sooners to go deeper into the roster.
The most notable, at this point, is the knee injury suffered by starting cheetah Justin Harrington, who missed the Tulsa game. Though there’s no official timetable for his recovery, it’s not looking like he’ll be back anytime soon for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Brent Venables says the staff is still evaluating Justin Harrington in terms of his injury status and future options. #Sooners
— Eric Bailey (@EricBaileyTW) September 19, 2023
The Sooners turned to [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag], [autotag]Kip Lewis[/autotag], and [autotag]Kendel Dolby[/autotag] at cheetah with Dasan McCullough out of action with his own injury. McCullough’s expected to be back for the Sooners this week when they travel to Cincinnati.
Brent Venables says on Coaches Show that Dasan McCullough will be back this week vs Cincy.
— Toby Rowland (@TRowOU) September 19, 2023
There are several other names to keep an eye on. [autotag]Savion Byrd[/autotag] left the Sooners win over Tulsa with an undisclosed injury. He was replaced by a combination of [autotag]Cayden Green[/autotag] and [autotag]Troy Everett[/autotag].
[autotag]Reggie Pearson[/autotag], [autotag]R Mason Thomas[/autotag], and [autotag]Jasiah Wagoner[/autotag] are dealing with ailments of their own. And like Byrd, Brent Venables is “hopeful” for those guys. Now does that mean they’ll be available this week? Time will tell.
Pearson and Thomas are significant members of the Sooners defensive depth chart. Wagoner had an offseason that impressed the coaches and those in attendance at practices.
Venables doesn’t give much of an injury update on Savion Byrd, Reggie Pearson, R Mason Thomas and Jasiah Wagoner. Says they’re “hopeful” for all those guys. And says they are still trying to decide what the best solution is for Justin Harrington long-term. #Sooners
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) September 19, 2023
Also notable, youngsters [autotag]Phil Picciotti[/autotag] and [autotag]Jayden Rowe[/autotag] will have season-ending surgeries.
Picciotti, a true freshman linebacker, hadn’t recorded a snap through three games. Coaches were impressed with the offseason the New Jersey native and IMG Academy talent put together, but he’ll redshirt for 2023 and continue to work toward being an impact player in 2024.
Jayden Rowe, the Tulsa native, will also be out for the remainder of the year. He was a four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class and has played 22 snaps for the Sooners across his first two seasons.
Venables just revealed that both #Sooners LB Phil Picciotti and DB Jayden Rowe will have season-ending surgeries.
— Parker Thune (@ParkerThune) September 19, 2023
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