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Oklahoma

Andrel Anthony to make return against Temple; Nic Anderson out for season opener

headshotby: George Stoia08/28/24GeorgeStoia
NCAA Football: Southern Methodist at Oklahoma
Sep 9, 2023; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Andrel Anthony (5) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Andrel Anthony will make his return for the Sooners on Friday.

The senior wide receiver will be available to play against Temple, coach Brent Venables confirmed on his SEC teleconference media session Wednesday. Anthony is returning after suffering an ACL injury in the Texas game last season. He also had a setback in his recovery in the spring, but has since recovered well during the summer and in fall camp.

A week ago, Venables told media Anthony had been practicing and had no limitations.

“He’s doing good,” Venables said of Anthony on Aug. 20. “He looked great today… He won’t be required to wear (the brace). We’re obviously trying to be careful with him. He doesn’t have any limits right now.”

Last season, Anthony was OU’s leading receiver before he got injured. He started the first six games of the season, totaling 27 receptions for 429 yards and one touchdown. He is sure to be a welcome sight for the Sooners.

Unfortunately for Oklahoma though, junior receiver Nic Anderson will not be available Friday, Venables said Wednesday. Anderson has been battling an injury since the first week of fall camp. While the injury is not considered serious, it’s unclear what his injury is exactly. Anderson totaled 32 receptions for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns last year.

OU will also obviously be without junior receiver Jayden Gibson, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during fall camp. With Gibson and Anderson out, it could open the door for Anthony to make a splash in his return to the field.

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