OU 1-2 weeks away from timetable for Bradford's return

Not only is it unclear as to when Sam Bradford can return from his shoulder injury, Oklahoma is still a week or two away from even setting a timetable for the quarterback’s return.

And that’s not even the worst news for the Sooners.

According to Sooner head coach Bob Stoops, Bradford is suffering from a Grade 2 or Grade 3 sprain of the AC joint in his throwing shoulder, not the minor Grade 1 sprain the program was hoping for.

Based on an article appearing on Tulsa World‘s website yesterday morning, that could potentially be season-crushing news for the Sooners — assuming the words “Grade” and “Type” mean the same thing.  (Is there a doctor in the house?)

Athletes can usually return to sports from the most minor form of the injury — known as Type I — in 1-2 weeks, according to emedicine.com, a Web site powered by WebMD. It’s unclear if a quarterback with an injured throwing shoulder could return in that time frame.

Type II cases are more severe and can require the shoulder to be immobilized for up to a month, according to the Web site. After that, an athlete would be forbidden from heavy lifting for 6-8 more weeks.

Type III cases are even more severe and can require surgery.

In other words, if the initial diagnosis of a Grade/Type 2/II or 3/III sprain is confirmed, Oklahoma will be without the services of the reigning Heisman winner for a very long time.

Even Stoops seems fully aware that Bradford could indeed be sidelined for an extended period of time.

“A lot of it depends on how he heals and how he feels as he’s healing here through the week,” Stoops said. “In the end, it’s going to be a while before we know what the plan will be.”