Oklahoma announces player availability report against Texas

The Sooners’ wait continues.

After an open appointment to heal, Oklahoma's first availability report of the Texas week was released on Wednesdaybut there was little clarity about the wide receiver's status Deion Burkes.

He was listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the No. 1-ranked Longhorns (5-0 overall, 1-0 Southeastern Conference).

Burks leads No. 18 OU (4-1, 1-1) in receptions and receiving yards in 2024, recording 26 catches for 201 yards and three touchdowns.

With which coach did he survive Oklahoma's 25-15 loss to Tennessee Brent Venables was classified as a “soft tissue injury” and Burks missed OU's 27-21 win over Auburn before the bye week.

For the rest of Oklahoma's wide receiver room, the news wasn't much better.

Both Nick Anderson And Andrew Anthony were listed as ineligible for competition, and Jalil Farooq, Venables said he finally removed the protective boot this week, which he has worn since Week 1, is also still listed as “out.” Cornerback Gentry Williams also remains out.

Also tight end Kade McIntyre is classified as questionable.

However, the Sooners received some good news.

Run back Taylor Tatum missed the Auburn game with an undisclosed injury but is not listed on this week's injury report, meaning he should be available for the game against the Longhorns.

Tatum ranks second among OU running backs and is fourth on the team with 116 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. He also caught a pass for 9 yards and a touchdown.

And linebackers Dasan McCullough appears to be making his season debut at the Cotton Bowl since he wasn't included in the availability report.

Last year, McCullough played in 10 games for the Sooners, making seven starts at the Cheetah linebacker spot. He finished the year with 30 total tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss. McCullough also had three pass breakups in 2023.

Kicker Tyler Keltner is also available after missing the Auburn game where Zach Smith was a perfect 2-for-2 in the win over the Tigers after Keltner underwent an appendectomy.

On the Texas side, quarterback Quinn Ewers is listed as probable after missing the last 2 1/2 games with an abdominal strain. Defensive back Derrick Williams Jr. is also listed as probable while the backup is rolling back Colin Pagedeep snapper Tate Haver and starting punter/kicker Michael Kern are all listed as questionable.