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Brent Venables provides update on Oklahoma injuries entering West Virginia game

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh11/07/23

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NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

The past two weeks have not been kind to Oklahoma. Following a loss to Kansas, they bowed out of the Bedlam rivalry with a heartbreaking loss. Despite a tough couple of games, Brent Venables has made sure his team has moved onto Saturday’s game against West Virginia, hoping to bounce back in a big way.

Unfortunately, there are some injuries the Sooners are dealing with. Venables provided a general update on their situation, saying everyone is going to be day-to-day for the time being.

“It’s day to day,” Venables said. “Met with the trainer just a little bit ago. So, we’ve got several guys that are literally day-to-day.”

Oklahoma does have some big-time names on the injury report. Most notable is linebacker Danny Stutsman, who has been the heart and soul of the Sooners defense since the Red River Shootout win against Texas. He has not played in either of the two losses but is thankfully back in practice.

“Danny practiced yesterday,” Venables said during his Tuesday press conference. “Tawee (Walker) practiced yesterday. Gentry (Williams) is going to practice today. We had several guys with knicks and bumps and bruises at this time of the year. That’s pretty much the norm. So, we’ll see. I don’t have any idea about gameday yet. I can’t say definitively anybody is going to miss that we weren’t already aware of.”

Walker is another big one Oklahoma would like to have back on the field at 100% health. Offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby has struggled to figure out the exact running back rotation this season and Walker broke out against Kansas with 146 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries.

He did play against Oklahoma State but only received eight carries. They were still productive, going for 59 yards and a score. If he can be the hot hand Oklahoma can ride in the run game, everybody in Norman would be extremely happy.

The final name mentioned was Williams, who went down in the Bedlam matchup. With practice occurring after his press conference, Venables will surely have more information on the defensive back ahead of Saturday’s kick against West Virginia.

Oklahoma is looking to avoid a three-game losing streak after their undefeated start to the season. If there is any hope of making the Big 12 championship, winning in front of the home crowd is essential. Getting some help across the conference will be required as well but for now, all the Sooners can do is take care of their own business.