OU football was without many players versus Maine on Saturday.
In addition to the players who have lost substantial time this season, the Sooners were missing offensive tackle Michael Tarquin and defensive end Ethan Downs during their 59-14 victory over the Black Bears. Tarquin hurt his ankle in practice earlier this week, and Downs was experiencing back spasms.
Venables provided postgame reports on the status of receivers Deion Burks and Jalil Farooq.
“They’re good,” Venables replied. “They were out running around here at the end of last week.” So let’s see where they are this week. It’s not evasive, and there’s nothing hidden. I’m hoping, like everyone else who likes the Sooners, that ‘Can we get these men back?’ But when you break your foot, the best-case scenario is seven weeks.”
Farooq had surgery after breaking his foot against Temple on August 30. He was scheduled to be out for six to eight weeks at first, but he has now missed nine.
“I’ve seen plenty of guys come back and be back at full speed at eight weeks,” Venables informed me. “Some of the players are dealing with other concerns. And so we’re on pace with Jalil.”
Burks has missed the Sooners’ last five games due to a soft tissue injury sustained against Tennessee. Burks was a game-time decision to play against South Carolina, was “day-to-day” during Ole Miss week, and is still not quite ready to return.
“Deion’s been running and working up to getting back to return to competition level,” according to Venables. “I suppose he’s right there. So we’re hoping this is the week.
Oklahoma will need every weapon it can get against Missouri on the road next Saturday.
Venables should provide an update on his coaches show on Monday or during his press conference on Tuesday. SEC teams must file reports on Wednesdays prior to Saturday conference games and update them daily until 90 minutes before start.
“You put pressure on the other team when you have an explosive touchdown,” says Venables. “Next thing you know, they’re playing everything differently. And so having those guys back, who are two really dynamic playmakers, would be a huge lift to the men in the locker room right now.”
