Oklahoma State’s first player availability report of the week brought a definite blow for Saturday’s game against Iowa State: tight end Carson Kolb is out.
Kolb, the former Oregon State transfer who won the starting job after fall workouts and earned praise from head coach Eric Morris for how fast he settled into the offense, was ruled unavailable on Wednesday. He left Saturday’s game against Colorado with a left foot injury, and after the game he was seen in a walking boot and using crutches. Morris has not said how serious the injury is or what kind it is.
With Kolb sidelined, Morgan McPhaul is listed as the “OR” option on the depth chart at tight end. Behind him are Oscar Hammond, Donovan Green and Boydie Boydston. Hammond returned to the roster a couple of weeks ago and has seen his role grow in recent situations for the Cowboys.
Morris said Tuesday that Hammond is probably their best pass catching tight end. Oklahoma State could divide the workload between him and someone like McPhaul, who offers more as a blocker.
Kolb’s absence stings because he had been productive in a limited window, catching seven passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns. Those seven grabs were the first receptions of his college career.
McPhaul has three catches, including a touchdown, and has added another score on the ground. Hammond and Green each have one catch.
There was better news on another injury front. Safety Quinton Hammonds is listed as questionable after leaving Saturday’s game and later being seen on the sideline with one arm in a sling. Morris said Tuesday he was hopeful that green or that Hammonds would be able to play on Saturday.
Bobby Deal Jr. and Markeith Williams are the listed backups behind Hammonds.
Wide receiver Dayvon Standard and defensive tackle Landon Dean were also listed as questionable. Dean has been ruled out on the player availability report the last two games, while Standard was available last weekend.
QUESTIONABLE: S Quinton Hammonds, WR Dayvon Standard, DT Landon Dean
OUT: CB Beni Ngoyi, DE Caden Crawford, DT Ka'Mori Moore
QUESTIONABLE: QB Connor Moberly, DE Trey Verdon, DT Bryson Lamb
In Other News...
Oklahoma State's Defensive Rebuild Is Starting To Turn Heads In Recruiting
Oklahoma States defensive rebuild is starting to pick up real momentum on the recruiting trail, and the latest additions suggest the staff is getting traction beyond just plugging needs. Cornerback Jlynnd Kellow, a three-star prospect from Willis High School in Texas, and linebacker Bryson Brown of Stillwater, Oklahoma, both joined the class after backing away from prior commitments, giving the Cowboys a pair of defensive pledges with some local and regional appeal.
For a program trying to show progress under new defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity, those kinds of flips matter because they signal confidence in what the staff is selling. Kellow had been headed to Mississippi State, while Brown had been committed to Baylor, and Oklahoma States ability to pull both into the fold gives the defensive class a little more weight as the rebuild continues to take shape. [Read more 🡒]
Oklahoma State's Recruiting Surge Just Picked Up Another Intriguing Sign
Bryson Browns decision gives Oklahoma State another notable win on the recruiting trail, and it comes with a bit of local flavor. The linebacker from Stillwater had been on Baylors commitment list before ending up with the Cowboys, a move that adds to the sense that Oklahoma States momentum under Eric Morris is starting to show up beyond the field.
Brown is the second defensive player to commit to Oklahoma State in recent days, giving the Cowboys a noticeable lift on that side of the ball. The timing matters, too, with Baylor moving on from Dave Aranda and Oklahoma States strong start under its new coach helping create a more appealing picture for recruits who are looking at stability, opportunity and a program on the rise. [Read more 🡒]
Oklahoma State Opens With A Backcourt Question Fans Can't Ignore
Steve Lutz gave Oklahoma State a clearer picture of its backcourt situation as the Cowboys head into the season opener against Incarnate Word. Kanye Clary has been working his way back from a groin injury and was limited to non-contact work, while Luka Bogavac appears to be moving in the right direction as the opener approaches. For a team trying to settle in early, the guard rotation is one of the first storylines worth watching.
Lutz also pointed to turnovers as an issue the Cowboys need to clean up, a reminder that the opener is about more than just getting bodies on the floor. He praised the progress of Jacob Walker and Julius Halaifonua, two players whose development could matter quickly if Oklahoma State has to sort through lineup choices on the fly. [Read more 🡒]