Oklahoma is gradually getting closer to having one of its top offensive playmakers back in action.
Wide receiver Nic Anderson, who has been sidelined this season due to a preseason injury, is on track to return soon. Head coach Brent Venables indicated earlier this week that the 6-foot-4, 216-pound redshirt sophomore could be ready for this weekend’s game against Tulane or next weekend’s SEC opener against Tennessee.
As of Wednesday, the possibility of Anderson playing against Tulane seems increasingly likely. Venables shared that Anderson participated in Tuesday’s practice, taking reps during team drills. While his status for Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. game, which will air on ESPN from Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, remains uncertain, Anderson is making positive progress.
“He practiced yesterday and looked good,” Venables said during the SEC’s weekly coaches teleconference. “We’re hopeful he’ll continue to improve… we’re optimistic.”
Oklahoma has faced a number of injuries at the wide receiver position, which was initially expected to be one of the deepest groups on the roster. Anderson’s injury has been the least severe among the receivers. Jayden Gibson suffered a season-ending knee injury during fall camp, while starter Jalil Farooq, the team’s third-leading receiver from last season, broke his foot in the season opener against Temple and will be sidelined for six to eight weeks.
Andrel Anthony, who had ACL surgery 11 months ago, has been cleared but isn’t yet 100%. He played limited snaps in the season opener but did not feature in last week’s game against Houston.
This has left Oklahoma relying on Purdue transfer Deion Burks, former Texas transfer Brenen Thompson, former Missouri transfer J.J. Hester, and a mix of younger players at wide receiver. Through the first two games, the Sooners’ offense has struggled, with their wide receivers recording 26 receptions for 221 yards and four touchdowns. Burks has been the standout, accounting for 15 catches, 89 yards, and three touchdowns in his first two games with Oklahoma.
Burks acknowledged the challenge of bringing younger players up to speed, saying, “It’s tough just trying to get the younger guys on the same level and just play ball… Expectations are high, and you just have to stick to the plan, even when people get hurt.”
Anderson’s return could provide a much-needed boost to the offense. Last season, he was the team’s leading returning receiver, catching 38 passes for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning Freshman All-America honors. His 10 touchdown receptions tied for the most in the nation among freshman receivers.
“It would be great to get Anderson back,” Burks said. “He’s got experience, and there’s a lot you can do with that. He’s played a lot of football and has a strong connection with the quarterback, so it would be great to have him back. But we’ve got to make it work regardless.”
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