OU could be without two of its top defensive playmakers on Saturday against No. 4 Alabama.
Defensive end R Mason Thomas was listed as questionable on Thursday’s availability report. Thomas injured his quad during the first quarter of Oklahoma’s win over Tennessee. It happened as he was returning a fumble 71 yards for a touchdown.
Also on the availability report was starting MIKE linebacker Kobie McKinzie, who injured his groin against Ole Miss. McKinzie suited up but did not play against Tennessee. He was listed as probable on Thursday.
“I haven’t seen them on the field since last Thursday, so I’ll see them here later on today,” coach Brent Venables said on Monday about Thomas and McKinzie. “We’ll see where they’re at.”
A surprise on the availability report for OU was defensive tackle Jayden Jackson. The sophomore did not appear to be injured against the Vols, playing 39 snaps. Jackson was listed as questionable on Thursday’s report.
Another surprise was cornerback Gentry Williams, who was listed as doubtful on Thursday’s report. Williams was not listed on Wednesday’s report, meaning he must have been injured during practice.
A good surprise on the report was wide receiver Keontez Lewis, who was listed as probable. Lewis has not played since the Texas game and could provide a good boost to the passing game.
Here is the full availability report for the Sooners:
DE R Mason Thomas: Questionable
DT Jayden Jackson: Questionable
CB Gentry Williams: Doubtful
LB Kobie McKinzie: Probable
RB Jovantae Barnes: Questionable
RB Taylor Tatum: Questionable
WR Keontez Lewis: Probable
OL Troy Everett: Out
OL Jacob Sexton: Out
OL Jake Taylor: Out