Deion Burks, Taylor Tatum injury update: Brent Venables provides latest on Oklahoma playmakers

Oklahoma is fresh off a huge win against Auburn, one Brent Venables needed to jump-start the program’s season. The Sooners now have a week to rest and recover before playing in another emotional game against Texas. Not many games deliver like the Red River Shootout but before getting to Dallas, Oklahoma needs to get healthy.

Especially on the offensive end where multiple big-time contributors are banged up. Wide receiver Deion Burks and running back Taylor Tatum are two of the biggest names, neither of which played on Saturday against Auburn.

Venables provided an update on the pair in the middle of the bye week, saying there is a chance they return for the Texas game.

“They’re doing good,” Venables said Wednesday during the SEC Coaches Teleconference. “Looking good. Expect to have an opportunity to have both of those guys potentially back.”

Despite not playing the previous game, Burks is still Oklahoma’s leading receiver on the season. He has caught 26 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns with all three of those being the most on the team. Burks has been a reliable target whether Michael Hawkins or Jackson Arnold was out there at quarterback.

Getting a player of his capability back on the field would be huge when facing an opponent such as Texas.

As for Tatum, he is one of the few younger players thriving for Oklahoma this season. His 6.4 yards per carry is best of anybody with double-digit carries on this season, totaling 116 yards and two touchdowns on 16 touches.

Tatum is a true freshman and played high school football at Longview (TX) High School, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 40 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Both players have a full week of rest ahead of them before playing in the Red River Shootout for the first time in their careers.