NORMAN — Oklahoma’s hopes of having leading receiver Deion Burks back on the field took a hit just 48 hours before their matchup against No. 18 Ole Miss. Burks was downgraded to doubtful on Thursday evening’s SEC availability report, following an earlier “questionable” status on Wednesday.
The 5-foot-9, 194-pound wideout has missed the last three games after sustaining a soft-tissue injury in the SEC opener against Tennessee on Sept. 21. Burks was a game-time decision against South Carolina last week, even warming up pregame, but ultimately sat out the 35-9 loss to the Gamecocks.
Despite missing over a month, the Purdue transfer remains Oklahoma’s leading receiver this season with 26 receptions, 201 yards, and three touchdowns, all scored in the season opener. His absence would mark a fourth consecutive game without Oklahoma’s top receiver as they head into Saturday’s contest at 11 a.m. in Oxford, Mississippi, against Ole Miss (5-2, 1-2 SEC).
Meanwhile, running back Gavin Sawchuk held his “doubtful” status for a second straight day after head coach Brent Venables noted the redshirt sophomore strained his quad before the South Carolina game. Sawchuk, last season’s leading rusher, has seen limited action this season, totaling just 42 yards on 20 carries, including only 7 yards in SEC play.
Additionally, Oklahoma has ruled out seven players for Saturday: wide receivers Nic Anderson (quad), Jayden Gibson (patellar tendon), Andrel Anthony (ACL), and Jalil Farooq (foot); offensive lineman Geirean Hatchett (bicep); and defensive backs Kendel Dolby (ankle/leg) and Gentry Williams (shoulder).
Per SEC’s availability policy, statuses are defined as follows: “probable” (75% or greater chance to play), “questionable” (50% chance), “doubtful” (25% chance), and “out” (0% chance due to injury, illness, or other factors). Availability reports are updated Friday evening and a final report will be available Saturday morning, 90 minutes before kickoff.
Oklahoma Availability Report (Thursday)
| Player | Position | Status |
|——————|———-|———–|
| Nic Anderson | WR | Out |
| Andrel Anthony | WR | Out |
| Jalil Farooq | WR | Out |
| Jayden Gibson | WR | Out |
| Geirean Hatchett | OL | Out |
| Kendel Dolby | DB | Out |
| Gentry Williams | DB | Out |
| Gavin Sawchuk | RB | Doubtful |
| Deion Burks | WR | Doubtful |
Ole Miss Availability Report (Thursday)
| Player | Position | Status |
|——————|———-|————-|
| Cedrick Beavers | CB | Out |
| Logan Diggs | RB | Out |
| Matt Jones | RB | Doubtful |
| Tre Harris | WR | Questionable|
| Jayden Williams | OL | Questionable|
| Jeremy James | OL | Questionable|
| Princely Umanmielen | DE | Probable |
| TJ Dottery | LB | Probable |
| Cayden Lee | WR | Probable |