The Sooners will be without their star wide receiver, Deion Burks, for another game. On Friday’s injury report, Burks was officially ruled out for Saturday’s matchup against No. 18 Ole Miss, with hopes for his return diminishing throughout the week. After being labeled questionable earlier, he was downgraded to doubtful in the SEC’s Thursday report.
Burks, who was highly anticipated this season, has missed the last three games due to a soft-tissue injury sustained during the SEC opener against Tennessee on September 21. He was a game-time decision for the recent game against South Carolina but ultimately did not play after warmups.
His absence is significant as the Sooners have been hit hard by injuries at the wide receiver position. All five of their expected receivers are sidelined, with Burks being the only one to make a substantial impact. He currently leads the team with 26 receptions, 201 yards, and three touchdowns—all scored in the season opener against Temple.
In addition to Burks, running back Gavin Sawchuk has also been ruled out. Sawchuk was marked as doubtful after straining his quad during warmups last week and has had limited action this season, with just 42 rushing yards on 20 carries.
The Sooners have also ruled out seven other players for the game against Ole Miss, including wide receivers Nic Anderson, Jayden Gibson, Andrel Anthony, and Jalil Farooq, offensive lineman Geirean Hatchett, and defensive backs Kendel Dolby and Gentry Williams.
According to the SEC’s injury reporting guidelines, the terms used indicate the likelihood of a player’s availability: “probable” suggests a 75% chance of playing, “questionable” indicates a 50% chance, “doubtful” means a 25% chance, and “out” confirms the player will not participate for various reasons.
