Nic Anderson cleared for practice, 'hopeful' to play versus Tulane
OU finally received some positive injury news on Wednesday.
Coach Brent Venables said on the SEC teleconference that redshirt sophomore receiver Nic Anderson has returned to practice and might play this Saturday against Tulane.
“He practiced (Tuesday),” Venables said. “Looked good, so hopefully he’ll continue to progress. Practiced in team setting and stuff, so we’re hopeful.”
Anderson could be a huge boost for a struggling Oklahoma offense. Last season, Anderson was OU’s second-leading receiver, totaling 38 receptions for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns. At 6-foot-4, 216 pounds, his size would also be a beneficial asset as the Sooners are clearly lacking physicality at the receiver position.
Anderson is just one of many Sooners who have struggled with injuries this season. He missed several weeks of fall camp and the first two games of the season. Meanwhile, OU is already without receivers Jayden Gibson and Jalil Farooq, in addition to offensive linemen Geirean Hatchett, Branson Hickman, Troy Everett and Jake Taylor.
Through the first few weeks of the 2024 season, OU has been snake bitten on the injury front. Hopefully for the Sooners, Anderson’s return is a sign of the tables turning.
“Definitely not popular in our offices, I can promise you,” Venables said. “Try to be the trainer that comes in and he’s Dr. Death giving us the report every day. He gets challenged pretty good. What does that mean? Is he going today? Is he going to be available this week? They don’t know. If anybody else is frustrated as far as who is going to be available this week, you have to get in line.”
