Availability Report: Jake Maikkula questionable to play vs. LSU
The first SEC Availability Report for this weekend’s regular-season finale between Oklahoma and LSU was released on Wednesday.
It includes a significant name for the Sooners on the offensive line.
Starting center Jake Maikkula is listed as questionable to play against the Tigers. As OUInsider’s Parker Thune reported earlier today, Maikkula is dealing with an “infection” and his status is up in the air for the weekend.
According to the SEC Availability Report, players listed as questionable as “uncertain to play due to injury or condition.” Players listed as doubtful are “unlikely to play due to significant concerns.” Players who are probable are “likely to play, barring any setbacks.”
Also included on the report is R Mason Thomas and Gentry Williams, who are both listed as doubtful. Notably, Jacob Sexton and Jake Taylor are both listed as doubtful.
Along with Maikkula, Jovantae Barnes, Jayden Jackson and Heath Ozaeta are listed as questionable.
If Maikkula is unable to play, the Sooners would have to make significant changes on the offensive line. Right guard Febechi Nwaiwu would likely slide to replace Maikkula, while Ryan Fodje and Derek Simmons would handle things at right guard and right tackle, respectively. Fodje started the last three games at right tackle but ceded more snaps to Simmons in the win over Missouri.
R Mason Thomas has missed the last two games with a quad injury, with the Sooners leaning more on Taylor Wein and Adepoju Adebawore in his absence. Despite playing in just nine games, Thomas leads the team in sacks (6.5) and ranks second in tackles for loss (9.5).
Williams hasn’t played since suffering a shoulder injury last month against South Carolina.
Reggie Powers is required to be listed on the availability report and will miss the first half of the game after he was ejected for targeting against Missouri. Without Powers, the Sooners will likely lean even more on starter Kendal Daniels, although players like Michael Boganowski and Jaydan Hardy could see additional reps at cheetah.
Additional availability reports will be released Thursday, Friday and 90 minutes before kickoff. The Sooners host LSU at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday (ABC).
If the Sooners win, they will almost certainly lock up a spot in the College Football Playoff and will have a great chance to host a first-round game in Norman.
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