The Oklahoma Sooners haven't had the start to the season they hoped for. The Sooners are 2-1 with a 17-10 loss to the Michigan Wolverines, but they also have a disappointing 14-6 win over the New Mexico Lobos.
Oklahoma then got more bad news when it was reported that star defensive tackle David Stone was injured in practice on Monday. It's unclear how long he will be out, although head coach Brent Venables gave a positive update in his weekly press conference, saying Stone could be back this weekend against the Georgia Bulldogs.
If Stone can't go, the Sooners' interior defensive line depth will be in question. This was a concern Venables had coming into the year. However, through three games, Venables feels better with the depth.
"I feel better,
three weeks, going on game four, than I did coming out of camp," Venables said. "You've got to go do it. There are some signs that guys are getting better. We've got depth that's okay there. Great opportunity if David is unavailable this week. We are going to need some guys to step up and play big... I feel good about that group of guys."
That's ultimately the question Oklahoma will have to answer. Stone's availability could change the equation, but if he can't play, the Sooners will find out whether the improvement Venables has seen from the rest of the defensive line can hold up against one of the nation's toughest opponents.
Guys like Trent Wilson, Bishop Thomas, Nigel Smith II, Danny Saili and Braxton Fely will likely see an increased role if Stone can't go. The Georgia game could provide the clearest test yet of whether Oklahoma's defensive depth is truly where Venables believes it is.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Brent Venables addresses Oklahoma's DT depth after David Stone injury
