Derek Simmons, Javontae Barnes injury updates: Brent Venables reveals latest on Oklahoma stars

Rightfully so, most attention on the injury front for Oklahoma revolves around John Mateer. OU’s quarterback appears to be healthy and set to play on Saturday against South Carolina. Head coach Brent Venables cannot confidently say the same about a couple of other offensive players.

First, Venables was asked about Derek Simmons. The offensive tackle got hurt during the Red River Shootout vs. Texas, leaving the game. A day-to-day designation has been placed on Simmons, somebody who plays a position Oklahoma cannot afford to lose anymore bodies.

“It’s a day-to-day,” Venables said. “He responded well.”

Simmons is in his first season with the program after transferring in from Western Carolina. He has played in five games thus far, only missing the season opener vs. Illinois State.

Then there is running back Javontae Barnes, somebody Oklahoma expected to play in the Cotton Bowl. However, Venables revealed that a pregame warmup injury wound up being Barnes off the field. Right now, the Sooners seemingly do not know the exact issue.

Barnes did not practice on Monday, meaning he is likely someone to watch when Wednesday’s SEC injury report is revealed. Venables also hopes to have more clarification on the exact issue in the coming days.

“Javontae, something happened in pregame,” Venables said. “We thought initially was hamstring but there’s something else. I think it will be a short-term thing. I don’t really have any other information. He didn’t practice yesterday but he’s moving around.”

In four games, Barnes has received 19 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown. His score came in the road contest against Temple but put together his best overall performance in the Michigan game, rushing for 24 yards on six carries.

Running back continues to be a curious position in Norman. True freshman Tory Blaylock is the main guy moving forward, playing over some other experienced players — Cal transfer Jadyn Ott being one of them. Barnes going down with an injury does not help the situation at all.

With or without Barnes and Simmons, Venables hopes Oklahoma can put together better offensive performances moving forward. An important one is staring them in the face, getting a great test in Shane Beamer‘s squad. Williams Brice Stadium should be rocking, even with the 12:45 ET kickoff.

Injuries will be a storyline for the Sooners until then. Last season saw multiple offensive pieces go down and turn things into a derailment in Norman. Everyone getting back healthy continues to be key.