Michael Fasusi, Jacob Sexton injury updates: Brent Venables reveals timeline for Oklahoma returns

Heading into the Red River Shootout, the Oklahoma offensive line figures to be one of the more important position groups. Unfortunately, there are a couple of injuries the Sooners continue to deal with — specifically at offensive tackle. Michael Fasusi and Jacob Sexton have both missed multiple games.

Updates on both came on Wednesday from head coach Brent Venables. Starting with Fasusi, the true freshman appears to be back in practice. Venables also spoke to Fasusi’s recent growth after being put into a starting role before his injury.

“It’s been great with Mike Fasusi,” Venables said via the SEC coaches teleconference. “He’s banged up with his ankle from the Michigan game, the end of that game. It’s tough on him with the high sprain but he’s battled back, in a healthy place right now. He’s just getting better and better, learning from his mistakes. He’s got a great work ethic. Love where he’s at right now.”

Fasusi played high school football at Lewisville (TX), where he was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect. He was the No. 8 overall recruit in the 2025 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Oklahoma held onto Fasusi’s commitment for a long time. Funnily enough, Texas made a late push for the offensive tackle before he wound up signing with the Sooners. Now, the chance to play in the Cotton Bowl comes for Fasusi.

As for Sexton, the question for Venables was more of a long-term one. He is hopeful Sexton will return at some point this season. However, exactly when that might be is not currently unknown.

“We do expect Jacob to get back and we’re hopeful. But don’t know what that timeline is as of right now. He’s making progress.”

Of course, the injury everybody wants to know about at the moment is quarterback John Mateer. Rumors continue to swirl about him potentially stepping onto the field at the Cotton Bowl after recently undergoing hand surgery. Venables was asked by On3’s Pete Nakos for Mateer’s official designation, declining to give an answer. Of course, the SEC injury report will soon give us an answer.

Whether it’s Mateer or Michael Hawkins out there, Oklahoma needs somebody ready to block the Texas defensive line. Fasusi might be progressing well to play on Saturday afternoon but questions about Sexton’s health likely will continue in the coming weeks.