NORMAN — Oklahoma is getting closer to the return of one of its key offensive playmakers.
Wide receiver Nic Anderson, who has been sidelined this season due to a preseason injury, is making progress toward rejoining the team. Head coach Brent Venables mentioned earlier this week that the 6-foot-4, 216-pound redshirt sophomore could potentially return either this weekend against Tulane or next weekend for Oklahoma’s SEC opener against Tennessee.
As of Wednesday, it appears more likely that Anderson could suit up this Saturday.
Venables reported that Anderson participated in practice on Tuesday, getting reps with the team. While his availability for Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. game against Tulane at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (airing on ESPN) remains uncertain, Anderson’s recovery is moving in the right direction.
“He practiced yesterday and looked good,” Venables shared during the SEC coaches teleconference. “So, hopefully, he’ll continue to progress… We’re hopeful.”
Oklahoma’s wide receiver group has been thin due to a series of injuries. Anderson’s injury has been relatively minor compared to others in the receiving corps. Jayden Gibson suffered a season-ending knee injury in fall camp, and starter Jalil Farooq—last season’s third-leading receiver—broke his foot in the season opener against Temple, sidelining him for 6-8 weeks.
Andrel Anthony, still recovering from ACL surgery, has been cleared but hasn’t reached full strength yet. He played limited snaps in the opener but didn’t play against Houston.
The injuries have left Oklahoma relying on Purdue transfer Deion Burks, former Texas transfer Brenen Thompson, Missouri transfer J.J. Hester, and several inexperienced players. Through the first two games, Oklahoma’s wide receivers have combined for just 26 catches, 221 yards, and four touchdowns. Burks has been the most productive, with 15 receptions for 89 yards and three touchdowns in his first two games.
“It’s tough, just trying to get the younger guys up to speed and playing ball,” Burks said. “Expectations are high, so we just have to stick to the plan… People get hurt, but we have to work with what we’ve got.”
Anderson’s return could provide a much-needed boost to the Sooners’ offense. Last season, he was Oklahoma’s top freshman receiver, hauling in 38 catches for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning Freshman All-America honors. He finished third in receptions, second in yards, and tied for the team lead in touchdowns, while his 10 touchdown catches were tied for the most among freshman receivers nationwide.
“It would be great to have Anderson back,” Burks added. “He’s experienced and has a great connection with the quarterback. That would definitely help… But we’ve got to make it work, regardless.”
