The Oklahoma Sooners are grappling with a series of injuries affecting crucial offensive players. Wide receiver Nic Anderson and offensive tackle Jake Taylor were sidelined during Friday’s win over Temple, while starting center Branson Hickman sustained an ankle sprain in the first quarter.
However, there is hope for their return in week two’s matchup against the Houston Cougars. On his weekly coach’s show, head coach Brent Venables provided an update on the trio’s status. Hickman appeared to be making progress during Monday’s practice, though his availability for this week’s game remains uncertain. If Hickman cannot play, Oklahoma might turn to Geirean Hatchett, a Washington transfer who stepped in as center after Hickman’s injury, or Joshua Bates, who had a strong performance during fall camp but was limited by injury last month and only played in the second half against Temple.
The Sooners are particularly eager to see Nic Anderson return. With Jayden Gibson ruled out for the season during fall camp and Jalil Farooq facing a 6-8 week recovery from a broken foot, the team’s depth at wide receiver is severely tested. Anderson, who had nearly 800 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023, was expected to be a key offensive contributor this year but has been struggling with injuries since the start of fall camp.
Right tackle Jake Taylor is also anticipated to make a return soon. Taylor, who secured the starting position over Spencer Brown during the offseason, was notably missed against Temple, where the offensive line struggled to protect on the right side.
Building continuity and cohesion on the offensive line is critical for the Sooners, and having Taylor and Hickman back would be a significant boost. If both are able to play in the upcoming games against Houston and Tulane, it would provide the opportunity for the starting five to work together ahead of their matchup with the Tennessee Volunteers.
