Oklahoma State already knew it was going to be forced to replaced the production lost with the departure of leading pass-catcher David Glidden. Now, at least early on, the Cowboys will have to replace a man who was expected to help replace Glidden’s lost production as well.
According to a report from The Oklahoman, Marcell Ateman may not make his debut this coming season until October because of surgery performed on his foot recently. Ateman sustained a non-contact injury during summer workouts.
Should Ateman not return until the second month of the season, he would, at minimum, miss games against SE Louisiana (Sept. 3), Central Michigan (Sept. 10), Pittsburgh (Sept. 17) and at Baylor (Sept. 24). They also have a home date with Texas the first of October.
Ateman’s position coach confirmed the procedure to the newspaper, although he didn’t give a timeline for a return.
“I don’t know [when] that’s going to be,” said Kasey Dunn. “I’m hoping as soon as possible. He’s had a great summer. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. I think he’ll be back probably sooner than later.
“I’m bummed though, because it’s a little bit of a setback for him. His play was going up, up, up. And it all started about Game 6 or 7 last year, where he really started to climb. Played well against Baylor. Played really well against Ole Miss. Had a great offseason. Summer was killer. And then he gets nicked.”
At least one report, and at least in these early stages, is a bit more optimistic:#okstate source just told me Marcell Ateman had foot surgery but might be back for season opener. They won’t rush him for that game though.
— Nathan Thompson (@NathanDThompson) July 27, 2016
Ateman’s 45 receptions and 766 receiving yards were each third on the team. His five touchdown receptions were good for second.
The good news for the Cowboys is that one of their most productive pass-catchers of a year ago, second-team All-Big performer James Washington (53-1087-10), returns, as do four other receivers who caught at least 17 passes in 2015 -- Jalen McCleskey (29-253-3), Austin Hays (22-200-1), Jhajuan Seales (18-321-2) and Blake Jarwin (17-200-2).