Injury updates: Sooners set to get Gibson and Bowen back, per Venables

As Oklahoma prepares to take on Kent State this Saturday (3:00 p.m. CT, SEC Network), the main injury storyline will, rightfully, be John Mateer’s hand injury, which has him sidelined. While the Sooners will be without their starting quarterback for the first time this season, they will get some help back.
On his weekly coaches show, Brent Venables said Oklahoma is set to get both WR Javonnie Gibson and CB Eli Bowen back, provided there are no setbacks. Venables added that both have been practicing with the team, but this week will be important to get them some game action.
The Arkansas-Pine Bluff transfer Gibson generated plenty of buzz in the spring before suffering a leg injury that sidelined him until last week. His return adds another weapon to a wide receiver group that has performed well so far, led by Deion Burks, Isaiah Sategna, and Keontez Lewis.
Bowen, meanwhile, was named an ESPN Freshman All-American after a standout 2024 campaign. He will rejoin a cornerback room that includes true freshman Courtland Guillory, veteran Gentry Williams, and Kendel Dolby, who continues to progress toward full health. The return of Bowen and Gibson gives the Sooners more proven depth on both sides of the ball.
Saturday’s game against Kent State provides both players a chance to ease back into game action ahead of upcoming SEC matchups with Texas, South Carolina, and Ole Miss.
As for Mateer, Venables noted that he’s the type of player the staff has to rein in. “He’s going to push the limits on everything when it comes to his rehab and getting back. He’ll be good. He’ll be one of those guys that broke the record in coming back, if you will.”