Availability Report: Several OU offensive linemen questionable vs. Auburn
The first SEC Availability Report for the Oklahoma-Auburn game was released on Wednesday, and it includes several key players.
The Sooners have a slew of players listed as “questionable,” particularly at offensive line. That includes starting right guard Febechi Nwaiwu, starting center Jake Maikkula and projected starting left tackle Michael Fasusi. Defensive end Marvin Jones Jr., wide receiver Zion Kearney and offensive lineman Isaiah Dent are also listed as questionable.
Wide receiver Keontez Lewis is notably listed as “probable” to play.
Wide receiver Javonnie Gibson and cornerback Eli Bowen are listed as “doubtful.” Both Gibson and Bowen have yet to play this season.
Jeremiah Newcombe, Troy Everett, Jacob Sexton and Jake Taylor are all listed as out.
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.”
The availability report brings concerns for the health of Sooners’ offensive line, particularly at center. Maikkula, who started the last two games at center, appeared to be rolled up by a Temple defender late in last Saturday’s game. Venables announced Tuesday that back-up center and team captain Troy Everett suffered a season-ending injury in practice last week.
Fasusi, who made his first collegiate start at left tackle two weeks ago against Michigan, missed the Temple game due to a foot injury. Jacob Sexton, who started the season opener, has missed the last two games. If Fasusi is unavailable to play, Logan Howland would be in line to make his second consecutive start at left tackle.
If Nwaiwu — who has started 16 consecutive games for the Sooners at right guard — were to miss, that would likely elevate true freshman Ryan Fodje into the starting role.
Lewis took a big hit late in the first half during the Temple game, which kept him out the remainder of the game. Lewis is third among OU’s receivers in snaps and has caught 15 passes for 181 yards and two scores this season.
It’ll be worth monitoring Jones Jr.’s status, considering R Mason Thomas will miss the first half against Auburn. Jones Jr. has started all three games at defensive end.
There will be additional availability reports on Thursday and Friday, as well as 90 minutes before the game kicks off on Saturday. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m. on ABC in Norman.
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