R Mason Thomas delivered the most-exciting play of the season in the first quarter of Oklahoma’s 33-27 win over Tennessee, a 71-yard fumble return touchdown. It was the Sooners’ only first half touchdown, helping pave the way to victory.

As great as the play was from Thomas, it did come at a cost. 

On Sunday, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables called the injury, “a little bit of a quad pull.” 

After scoring the touchdown and playing 17 total defensive snaps, Thomas did not return to action. 

On the positive side, Thomas will have extra time to recover as the Sooners have a bye this week before they head to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama on November 15.

Venables hasn’t specified when Thomas will return or how much time he could miss. On the Wednesday SEC teleconference, Venables stated, “We'll just continue to evaluate him. It's still just a couple of days into it. I'll let y'all know when I know a little more."

It has been an outstanding season for Thomas in 2025. In nine games played, he has registered 23 tackles, 16 solo tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, along with the fumble recovery touchdown against Tennessee.

Thomas is the Sooners’ highest graded defensive player according to Pro Football Focus, with an overall rating of 84.

This season is another step-up for Thomas, after having a breakout junior campaign in 2024. Last year, he earned All-SEC second team honors, after accounting for 12.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown.

Thomas isn’t the only defensive player who’s been banged up. Linebacker Kobie McKinzie missed last week’s game against Tennessee; however after the win, the Sooners’ head coach expressed confidence in both McKenzie and Thomas returning soon.

“I think it’ll be short-term,” Venables said. “Don’t see them missing much time, if any at all.”

Other Sooners players that could be returning soon include cornerback Gentry Williams, offensive tackles Derek Simmons, Logan Howland and Jacob Sexton.

On the SEC teleconference, Venables was very pleased with the timing of the bye week for the Sooners.

“The bye week comes at a great time to just regroup, refocus on where we’re at as a football team, get some guys healthy, going into a really challenging finish to the regular season,” Venables said. “We’re in a good place from a health standpoint, but we’ll get a few guys back here going into next week.”