The Oklahoma Sooners are getting healthy at the right time. Ahead of their College Football Playoff first round matchup with the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Sooners took advantage of their much-needed break with several key players able to rest lingering issues that limited them toward the end of the season.
R Mason Thomas missed action, defensive tackle Jayden Jackson was limited over the final three games, running backs Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock played through injuries, and wide receiver Keontez Lewis missed a lot of time over the second half of the season.
But the break over the last few weeks has allowed the Sooners an opportunity to get healthier ahead of their rematch with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
According to the latest availability report, Thomas will be back in action this Friday night, and the Sooners are heading into the game relatively healthy.
The most notable name on the availability report for Oklahoma is center Jake Maikkula. Maikkula missed the LSU game with an infection, and he’s questionable to return for the first round matchup vs. the Crimson Tide. If he’s unable to go, Oklahoma will once again lean on Febechi Nwaiwu at center and either Ryan Fodje, Heath Ozaeta, or Jacob Sexton at right guard.
For Alabama, they’ll be without one of their better defensive linemen in L.T. Overton this week. Overton missed the SEC Championship game loss against Georgia. The other name to watch is tight end Josh Cuevas. He led the Crimson Tide in receiving yards in the first matchup, creating explosive plays with his ability after the catch. If he’s not able to play, Alabama would be relying on a pair of true freshmen tight ends to take over.
Here’s a look at the full availability report as of Tuesday night.
Oklahoma Sooners Availability Report
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gentry Williams | DB | Out |
| Kendel Dolby | DB | Out |
| Jeremiah Newcombe | DB | Out |
| Troy Everett | OL | Out |
| Jake Maikkula | OL | Questionable |
| Jovantae Barnes | RB | Probable |
Alabama Crimson Tide Availability Report
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kameron Howard | DB | Out |
| Jah-Marien Latham | LB | Out |
| Dre Kirkpatrick, Jr. | DB | Out |
| LT Overton | DL | Out |
| Kevin Riley | RB | Out |
| Jeremiah Beaman | DL | Out |
| Josh Cuevas | TE | Questionable |
| Danny Lewis, Jr. | TE | Questionable |
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma Sooners Availability Report ahead of CFP matchup with Bama
