Oklahoma Gets A Needed Boost But Saturday Questions Still Linger

Oklahoma receives a significant boost ahead of the Florida clash with key players updated to 'available' status.

Oklahoma got a much cleaner look on Friday’s SEC availability report ahead of Saturday’s game against Florida.

The biggest update was on cornerback Eli Bowen and tight end Rocky Beers. Both had already been bumped up to probable on Thursday, and now they’re off the report entirely and available to play. Wide receiver Elijah Thomas and Kenny Ozowalu, meanwhile, remain in the questionable group.

Beers’ status is especially notable after he popped up on Wednesday’s report as a surprise addition. He has played in every game this season and leads the Sooners with four touchdowns while ranking second on the team with 446 receiving yards.

Bowen has been sidelined since the Texas game after getting hurt two days before that matchup. He spent two weeks in a boot and has been working back toward Saturday. His injury appears tied to the fourth quarter interception he made against Mississippi State, when a Bulldog receiver hit him in the right leg and knocked him out for the rest of the game.

There was also good news up front. Starting center Jake Maikkula is off the report after missing time since the fourth quarter of Oklahoma’s win over Mississippi State. Backup Caleb Nitta filled in for him in the loss to South Carolina last weekend.

Wide receiver Jer’Michael Carter is also cleared. His role has grown in recent weeks, though he’s still trying to find a steady rhythm in an offense that has struggled.

Peyton Bowen is listed as questionable. He was on the report all the way up to kickoff last week against South Carolina, when he ended up being a game-time decision before playing in the loss.

Ozowalu is in the same boat. He has played in every game this season in his first year with the Sooners and was on the field last week against South Carolina.

Thomas has not played since the second quarter of the Kentucky game.

Guard Eddy Pierre-Louis remains doubtful. He has missed the last four games after first appearing on the report during the Texas week. Pierre-Louis, a captain, started the first three games, was benched to open the Georgia game, then quickly entered at right guard and played most of that contest.

Eight Sooners have already been ruled out: offensive linemen Ryan Fodje and Fred Hinton, defensive backs Dakoda Fields and Jacobe Johnson, tight end Trynae Washington, linebackers Cole Sullivan and Taylor Heim, and wide receiver Trell Harris.

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