Under normal conditions, spring games don’t really tell fans and the media a whole heck of a lot when it comes to a team’s prospects for the upcoming season. In the case of Oklahoma, that’s really the case.
According to a count by the Norman Transcript, a total of 11 actual or projected starters will likely be sidelined for the Sooners’ spring game this Saturday. From the Transcript, here’s is OU’s rather extensive MASH report:Wide receiver Sterling Shepard will be held out with hamstring injury. Nagging ailments will also keep defensive end Rashod Favors (knee), defensive tackle Quincy Russell (ankle), wide receiver Durron Neal (ankle and knee), offensive lineman Nila Kasitati (infection) will all be in street clothes on Saturday.
Safety Julian Wilson (shoulder), defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (back), offensive tackle Tyrus Thompson (ankle), guard Adam Shead (back) and guard Tyler Evans (knee) were all held out of spring drills due to injuries.
Despite the lengthy medical list, head coach Bob Stoops doesn’t appear to be concerned as most if not all of the injuries aren’t considered to be of the long-term variety.
“That’s how it goes sometimes,” Stoops said. “Fortunate thing is none of them are operations. They’ll all be OK in three or four weeks. When we start in June with all of our main conditioning and training through the summer, they’ll all be ready to go.”