Oklahoma running back Samaje Perine is a key member of the Sooners offense, but a pulled muscle will keep him out of action for the next two weeks. Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops says Perine may even be out for a third week.
Samaje Perine has a slight pulled muscle and will be out at least 2 weeks, maybe 3, according to Stoops.
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) October 17, 2016
Perine, a junior, is fifth in the Big 12 in rushing with 475 yards and tied for third in the conference with six rushing touchdowns through six games this season. Along with Joe Mixon and quarterback Baker Mayfield, Perine was a part of one of the strongest backfields in the nation. The loss of Perine hurts Oklahoma’s offense, but a healthy Mayfield and Mixon should manage to keep the Sooners offense moving without skipping a beat.
Oklahoma’s next two games will be on the road against Texas Tech and at home against Kansas. Oklahoma should be a decided favorite in each. Should Perine have to miss a third game, that means he would miss a road game at Iowa State. If Perine needs to miss three games, it really could not have come at a better time for the Sooners. If Perine is out three weeks, he would then be back in time for a crucial final stretch with games against Baylor, at West Virginia and home against Oklahoma State to close out the regular season.