Oklahoma’s offensive line and backfield could be stretched thin again when the Sooners meet Texas on Saturday in the Red River Shootout at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
The first SEC availability report ahead of the game shows Oklahoma potentially getting a couple of defensive pieces back, but the bigger concern is what the Sooners may be missing up front. Offensive tackle Michael Fasusi is listed as doubtful, a step up from being ruled out from the start for the Georgia game, but still a long way from a full return. Guard Eddy Pierre-Louis is also on the report, this time as questionable after coming off the bench against Georgia and logging plenty of snaps.
Running back Xavier Robinson is out. He has played in all four games for Oklahoma this season, but the production has been modest: 13 carries for 50 yards.
He opened the year with 30 rushing yards, then has not topped nine in any game since. That fits the larger picture for the Sooners, who are averaging just 99 yards per game on the ground.
Oklahoma will also be without reserve cornerback Jacobe Johnson, who was hurt in the 41-13 loss to Georgia.
There are more questions at tight end, too. Trynae Washington is doubtful and Jack Van Doreselaer is questionable. Neither has matched the workload of Rocky Beers or Hayden Hansen, but both have still been part of the offense.
On the positive side, Oklahoma’s defense may be closer to getting some help. Starting safety Michael Boganowski and reserve linebacker Cole Sulivan are both listed as questionable after missing the last two games, which is at least an improvement from their status against Georgia. Linebacker Owen Heinecke, who was injured against Georgia, is probable.
Wide receiver Trell Harris remains out after getting injured in the Week 2 loss to Michigan.
Texas’ report is much shorter, with just four players listed. Running back Hollywood Smothers, a former Oklahoma player, is not on it after sitting out the win over Tennessee before the Longhorns’ bye week.
Oklahoma’s report lists Trell Harris, Taylor Heim and Jacobe Johnson as out; Michael Fasusi, Fred Hinton and Treynae Washington as doubtful; Michael Boganowski, Jer’Michael Carter, Eddy Pierre-Louis, Cole Sullivan and Jack Van Doreselaer as questionable; and Owen Heinecke as probable.
Texas lists Jordan Coleman as out, Kaliq Lockett and Justus Terry as doubtful, and Nick Townsend as probable.
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