**NORMAN — Oklahoma Sooners Face Key Absences for Home Game Against Tulane, Receiver May Make Season Debut**
Oklahoma will be without several important players for their Week 3 matchup against Tulane, though there’s hope for one top playmaker to make his season debut. Offensive linemen Branson Hickman and Jake Taylor will both miss the game, which kicks off at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN, due to injuries. Hickman is still recovering from a sprained ankle sustained in the season opener against Temple, while Taylor suffered an undisclosed injury in last week’s victory over Houston.
Despite dressing for pregame, Hickman and Taylor did not participate in warmups. Joshua Bates will make his second consecutive start at center, while Michael Tarquin will start at right tackle in place of Taylor. Logan Howland, who filled in last week, is set to make his first career start at left tackle following the shift of Tarquin to the right side. Coach Brent Venables praised Howland’s performance in his increased role against Houston.
On defense, Oklahoma will also be without starting Cheetah Kendel Dolby and cornerback Gentry Williams. Williams exited last week’s game with a shoulder injury, and Dolby’s injury remains undisclosed. Dolby has been a key player in Oklahoma’s first two games, recording seven tackles, including a sack.
There is positive news, however, as wide receiver Nic Anderson, who missed the first two games due to an injury, is dressed and may make his season debut. Anderson returned to practice this week and could see action either against Tulane or in next week’s SEC opener against Tennessee. Anderson was a standout last season, leading the team with 10 touchdown receptions and totaling 798 yards on 38 catches.
