Branson Hickman injury update: Brent Venables states Oklahoma OL 'looked remarkably good' in practice

Branson Hickman “looked remarkebly good,” at practice on Monday, according to Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables via Sooner Scoop’s George Stoia III.

The Sooners offensive lineman left Saturday’s season opener in the first quarter against Temple with an injury. He walked off the field on his own power but headed to the Sooners’ locker room later in the quarter.

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However, Venables isn’t sure that Hickman will be available for Oklahoma’s Week 2 matchup against Houston.

Hickman transferred to Oklahoma this offseason after spending four years with SMU. In the 2023 campaign, Hickman played and started in all 14 games for the Mustangs.

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For his efforts, he was named an All-AAC Second Team member and a DCTF All-Texas Second Team member. After redshirting his true freshman season with the team, Hickman saw action in 37 games with the program.

The opening kickoff between the Sooners and Cougars is set for Saturday, Setp. 7 at 7:45 p.m. ET live on the SEC Network.

Brent Venables updates status of OT Jake Taylor

While Hickman’s status is still up in the air, Venables confirmed that Oklahoma starting right tackle Jake Taylor will be available during the contest.

Taylor played guard when he arrived on campus in 2022, but transitioned to the tackle position last year. The former top-100 rated recruit played in just four games for the Sooners in 2023 but is expected to take on a greater role in 2024.

Oklahoma’s offensive line was able to have their way with the Owls’ defensive front. The Sooners called 36 rushing plays totaling 220 yards and a touchdown as five rushers averaged at least 4.7 yards per carry or more.

Meanwhile, they did allow quarterback Jackson Arnold to be sacked three times, but that didn’t seem to hurt his game as Arnold threw for four touchdowns during the contest. The offense put up a total of 378 yards in the 48-point victory.

Looking ahead, after Houston the Sooners will host Tulane before playing in their first SEC game in program history against Tennessee in Norman on Sept. 21. Their first conference schedule will feature trips to Auburn, Ole Miss, LSU and Missouri while they host the Vols, Texas, South Carolina and Alabama.