OU football DE R Mason Thomas set to play vs Alabama in CFP opener
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NORMAN — One of OU football’s best defensive players is available this Friday for its College Football Playoff game against Alabama.
Defensive end R Mason Thomas was not listed when the Sooners released their Tuesday availability report ahead of their first-round contest. Thomas has not played since sustaining an injury against Tennessee on Nov. 1 when he returned a fumble 71 yards for a touchdown.
Thomas, who was named an All-SEC First Team member last week and who totaled 23 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks this season, has been practicing this week as he aims to return.
OU center Jake Maikkula was listed as questionable. Maikkula, who has been limited at practice this week, missed the LSU game due to an infection. Maikkula had started 10 consecutive games for the Sooners up to that point.
Running back Jovantae Barnes is listed as probable. Barnes last played against Auburn on Sept. 20 and coach Brent Venables said he is in “good standing” with the team.
Kendel Dolby, Troy Everett, Jeremiah Newcombe and Gentry Williams were listed as out, but none are new or a surprise. Everett and Williams underwent surgery for season-ending injuries.
No. 8 OU (10-2, 6-2 SEC) and No. 9 Alabama (10-3, 7-1) will play on Friday (7 p.m., ABC) at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The Sooners aim to win a fifth consecutive game fresh off their “Red November” run to the CFP.
“(The time off has) been beneficial for the whole team, just to get a little healthier,” OU coach Brent Venables said Monday. “It’s that time of the year for everybody in college football where everybody can benefit from a little less time on their feet and a little more time in the walkthroughs and meetings and not practicing as well.
“So, it comes at a great, great time for us and expect to have a little fresher football team coming into this game.”
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
OU vs. Alabama
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman (ABC/ESPN)
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football DE R Mason Thomas available for CFP game vs Alabama
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