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Injury Update
After a long season, one major concern for each team participating in a bowl game remains the health of the players. The Oklahoma Sooners are no different after losing key playmakers down the stretch. Now in Orlando, word seems to be that freshman running back, Samaje Perine, appears to be moving fine although the ankle is taped.
Samaje Perine's left ankle is heavily taped, but he seems to be moving fine. #Sooners pic.twitter.com/rbBZS38oDV
— John Shinn (@john_shinn) December 26, 2014
While much of the focus will be on the rushing attack, the Sooners are hoping to breathe life back into the air raid. Much of the success depends upon wide receiver and security blanket for the quarterback, Sterling Shepard. After pulling himself out of game after game, Shepard continues to progress. Hopefully the wideout plays every offensive snap on Monday.
Spoke with Trevor Knight this morning. Said Sterling Shepard has looked healthy in practice this week. #Sooners
— John Shinn (@john_shinn) December 26, 2014
However, mention of the passing game leads to the question of how does Trevor Knight himself look after missing a handful of games himself due to injury? For now, the questions remain unanswered. Whether or not the mobile quarterback tucks the ball and runs frequently has the potential to change the outcome of the Russell Athletic Bowl in a hurry.
Finally, those who have not suited up include the following:
#Sooners not suited up for practice: Adam Shead, Julian Wilson, Geneo Grissom.
— Guerin Emig (@GuerinEmig) December 26, 2014
Romar Carted Off
Defensive tackle, Matt Romar, was carted off Friday during practice with a neck injury according to NewsOK.
#Sooners DT Matt Romar carried off prac field on stretcher. Initial report from OU is he checks out, precautionary.
— Guerin Emig (@GuerinEmig) December 26, 2014
An up and coming player, any coach hates to lose depth and talent during a practice especially during the bowl season.
No DGB But A Mayfield Sighting
Multiple outlets have reported seeing Baker Mayfield during the trip to Orlando. However, the flip side of the story is that Dorial Green-Beckham has not been seen. Once again, NewsOK cites the reason for DGB's absence as a matter of eligibility and NCAA Rules.
Baker Mayfield is with the #Sooners on the bowl trip. A source says Mayfield's family paid for part of his trip to Orlando.
— Eric Bailey (@EricBaileyTW) December 26, 2014
Later the report that the Mayfield's paid for part of the trip was proven to be false. (Scroll to bottom for info)
For what it's worth, no Dorial Green-Beckham sighting at #Sooners practice
— Bob Przybylo (@BPrzybylo) December 26, 2014
Ineligible players cannot travel, but since Mayfield transferred from Texas Tech in January, he has completed two full semesters. Thus when the fall semester ended, he was eligible to travel, though he cannot play in the bowl game.
But since Green-Beckham transferred from Missouri in the summer, he's completed just one semester at OU and thus could not be part of the traveling party. - NewsOK