WR Coach Jay Norvell | "There's no question that [Shepard] will play this weekend"

On the first offensive play of the game for the Oklahoma Sooners, Trevor Knight rocked back hurling the ball toward his favorite target, Sterling Shepard against the Iowa St. Cyclones. Hauling in a 46-yard reception, Shep came up with a groin injury afterward forcing the star wideout to the sideline for the remainder of the time.

Heading into this weekend, two ranked opponents will collide on Owen Field as the Sooners host the Baylor Bears. The coaching staff has expressed the necessity of having Shepard on the field come time for kickoff. However, the chance of him playing remained up in the air as of Monday.

Coach Stoops said that Sterling Shepard's injury "appeared to be pretty minor," and he hopes to have him full-speed by the end of the week.

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) November 3, 2014

Fast forward to Tuesday and the tone of receivers coach, Jay Norvell, conveys more than just a hope that the Sooners' leading receiver will play.

"@sterl_shep3 will play. There's no question that he'll play this weekend." -@OU_CoachNorvell

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) November 4, 2014

Now, with Keith Ford returning to practice last week, Derrick Woods sits alone on the injured list.