Brent Venables provides update on Javonnie Gibson

Oklahoma’s 2-0 start to the season has come without key playmaker Javonnie Gibson. However, the Sooners are hoping to get him back in the fold soon.

OU coach Brent Venables provided an update on Gibson’s status during the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday. Gibson missed all of preseason camp after breaking his leg towards the end of spring practice.

““He’s been great,” Venables said. “He’s been right on schedule. He’s got an excitement to him. Obviously, he’s anxious to get back out there. He’s catching a lot of balls every day and going through the appropriate rehab protocols. He’s been making tremendous progress. Looking forward to seeing him back out there very soon.”

Gibson immediately emerged for the Sooners this spring after arriving from UAPB via the transfer portal. He logged 70 receptions for 1,215 yards and nine scores last season. He had become a favorite target of OU quarterback John Mateer and had established himself as arguably OU’s top pass-catcher prior to his injury. Despite Gibson’s absence, the Sooners have been able to have success behind stellar play from Deion Burks (14 receptions, 189 yards, 2 TD) and Jaren Kanak (10 receptions, 159 yards).

The Sooners haven’t rotated much at wide receiver through the first two weeks. Outside of Burks, Keontez Lewis and Isaiah Sategna, the rest of the Sooners’ receivers have combined for just 25 snaps, per Pro Football Focus. But Gibson is expected to enter the rotation upon his return, and he’s been able to suit up and participate in warmups through the first two weeks.

“Who knows what that looks like,” Venables said. “You just don’t know. But when he was available in the spring, he was great.”

The Sooners travel to Temple this Saturday (11 a.m. CT, ESPN2) before returning home to open SEC play against Temple.