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Oklahoma Sooners receive much-needed positive news on recent injury scare much to the relief of fans

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By AJ Schulte | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 4:17 PM ET

Earlier this week, I reported a massive injury in practice for the Oklahoma Sooners, with star wide receiver Javonnie Gibson going down. Gibson had dominated spring practice and had many people buzzing about his potential this season, but he sustained a critical lower leg injury in practice on Monday.

While the exact injury is unknown, there was enough concern surrounding it that I expect it's a long-term recovery for him. Surgery was needed. He will miss the rest of the offseason rehabbing.

However, it isn't all bad. Head coach Brent Venables at the Sooners "Crimson Combine" (revised Spring Game) revealed that Gibson could be back in time for the start of the Sooners' season.

Brent Venables says if Javonnie Gibson stays on schedule, he could be back for the start of the season

That would obviously be a massive win for Oklahoma if so#Sooners
— Josh Callaway (@JoshMCallaway) April 12, 2025

While I'm sure some fans are scarred from that response after the debacle with Nic Anderson and Andrel Anthony last season, it's still a positive outlook for the future. Gibson's return to the lineup can only be a good thing for Oklahoma, who desperately needs to turn around their wide receiver room after a dismal 2024 season.

Gibson was looking like a budding star in spring practice and was primed to be their starting X as an outside wide receiver. He had built up good chemistry with fellow transfer quarterback John Mateer, and was quickly becoming a go-to playmaker.

Hopefully, he can return to form while recovering some such a difficult injury. This injury occurring in the spring will allow him to recover and rehab normally without pressing to return to the lineup to play, although he will miss valuable time learning the offense and practicing.

I still fully expect the Sooners to invest here with multiple additions from the spring transfer portal, which opens up next week.

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

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