Oklahoma Sooners Receive GOOD Injury News on Key Players Ahead of Ole Miss

When you are on 5-4 and trying to make a bowl game in the SEC, late season injuries can spell doom for a team. But the situation is different for Oklahoma this week as they host No. 19 Ole Miss on Saturday.

This week, for only the second time since the Sooners joined the SEC, Oklahoma’s public injury report is shorter than their opponent’s. While Ole Miss is battling a number of injuries, the Sooners are seeing some key players return to the field at the right time.

Who is coming back? Who is questionable? What is the availability report for this weekend's game against Ole Miss?

Oklahoma’s biggest news in the availability report is on the defensive backfield and on the line of scrimmage. Star defensive back Peyton Bowen was a game-time decision last week, but he is listed as probable for Saturday’s game. Defensive back Jacobe Johnson, who has been out since the Georgia game, is also listed as probable. His return would give OU more flexibility on the back end of its defense.

Another key piece of the offensive line puzzle is set to return this week as well, as Eddy Pierre-Louis is listed as probable for the game against Ole Miss after being a game-time scratch against Florida. Pierre-Louis hasn’t seen any action since the Georgia game, but with freshmen Noah Best and Heath Ozaeta seemingly having locked down spots at guard for the Sooners, it will be interesting to see how the line chemistry develops with Pierre-Louis’ return.

On the other hand, versatile offensive lineman Ryan Fodje is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game. The senior from Houston has been a stalwart for the Sooners since August, playing guard, tackle, and center, and suffering a lower-leg and ankle injury against Kentucky. He’s expected to return to action later this month, but for now, he’ll have to sit out another week.

The Sooners are still monitoring several players this week including offensive lineman Caleb Nitta, running back Tory Blaylock, and linebackers Cole Sullivan and James Nesta. Blaylock has been a bright spot in the backfield as of late, rushing for 133 yards on 25 carries in the last three games including 30 yards in the Florida game. Sullivan and Nesta would be huge additions to the linebackers as they would provide much needed depth behind Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke as well as free up other players such as Reggie Powers III.

While Oklahoma’s medical tent is clearing out, the Rebels are limping into Norman with some heavy losses. Ole Miss has already officially ruled out star running back Kewan Lacy and starting guard Patrick Kutas.

To make matters worse for Pete Golding's squad, defensive end Kam Franklin—who leads their edge room in snaps and ranks fourth on the team in pressures—is a name to watch, alongside starting safety Sharif Deenson, who is currently listed as questionable.

This game could be won in the fourth quarter on depth. If Oklahoma can get these guys back on the field, while Ole Miss is patching together their two-deep, Oklahoma will have a huge psychological and physical edge on the field in Norman.