Published: March 26, 2008 11:35 pm            

Injuries hamper Sooners' spring practices

NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma concluded its sixth practice of the spring Wednesday afternoon, but already it's becoming more an offseason characterized by thin numbers at several spots.

Just since spring practice began, freshman receiver and former Norman High standout Ryan Broyles joined a growing list of players who won’t be available for the spring due to injury. A broken collar bone has sent Broyles to the sidelines.

Also linebacker Ryan Reynolds has been limited by a sprained ankle. He is expected to return to practice this spring and could possibly return by Friday’s practice.

“He did some running and doing some things, but he’s not quite there yet,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. “It’s possible by Friday, but we’ll see.”

Sophomore Brandon Crow was listed as Reynolds’ backup heading into the spring.

If Reynolds is held out, he’ll join a large list of returning starters or players who have playing experience but who are missing the spring due to injuries.

Wide receiver Adron Tennell (knee), safety Nic Harris (shoulder), defensive ends Auston English (leg and shoulder) and John Williams (Achilles tendon), running backs Chris Brown (knee) and DeMarco Murray (knee) won’t be on the field again until August.



Selling the state

Stoops was one of several dignitaries from the state who welcomed representatives from the NBA Tuesday for a tour of the Ford Center and a presentation by Oklahoma City for a potential move of the Seattle SuperSonics.

“There’s great things happening in the state and in Oklahoma City,” Stoops said. “It was really well done and fun to be a part of it and watch it.”

Stoops was part of a group that included Gov. Brad Henry and several representatives of the city, state and sports community.

The OU coach didn’t join in on what was Tuesday’s hottest topic on talk radio: What should the nickname be for an NBA team in Oklahoma City?

Stoops had no preference.



Scrimmage information

The Sooners' scrimmage Saturday will be their first open workout of the spring and the first of three over the next three weeks.



John Shinn writes for The Norman (Okla.) Transcript.

        

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