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Oklahoma Sooners finally receive encouraging medical news regarding a talented young playmaker the team is excited to see return

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By AJ Schulte | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 3:29 PM ET

In the 2024 season, it seemed like every week brought some sort of injury-related tragedy to the Oklahoma Sooners. The team lost all five starting wide receivers, multiple offensive linemen, and a few defenders. Several players who did play battled through injury throughout the year, with some even requiring offseason surgery to heal the damage done.

In Oklahoma's season-opener against Illinois State, the Sooners got through relatively unscathed. However, there was one major injury that has weighed on the minds of Oklahoma fans since, who hoped to avoid going through the injuries once again.

True freshman running back Tory Blaylock was the Sooners' breakthrough player of the game, upending the depth chart and supplanting starter Jovantae Barnes by the second half. Unfortunately, midway through the third quarter, Blaylock took a shot to the shoulder and left the game with it. He didn't return, creating panic that this injury could be a significant one. According to sources, however, Oklahoma might have caught a break here.

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Tory Blaylock Could Return Sooner Than Later

According to sources, Tory Blaylock's injury might not have been as bad as initially feared. While the team has yet to make an official statement, there does seem to be some optimism emerging regarding the situation.

It isn't all good news, however. I would be surprised if Blaylock returned to play this week against the Michigan Wolverines. Furthermore, I'd be surprised if they trotted him out in Week 3 when the Sooners travel to play Temple.

If what I'm hearing is true, I would begin aiming for Blaylock's return when the Sooners take on the Auburn Tigers in Week 4. The absolute worst-case scenario I've heard is a return by Texas, aided by a fortunate bye week and an outing against Kent State.

The fact that Blaylock returned to the sidelines in full gear after his injury and wasn't in sweats, nor did he have any sort of brace on, suggested that the injury was far from a drastic one. Still, his absence will be felt, though it is well-timed with the coincidental return of Jaydn Ott to full potential.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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