Just as the Oklahoma Sooners were confident in a replacement for starting center Jake Maikkula, they’re back to the drawing board just three days before they open their season against UTEP at 7 p.m. CT Friday in Norman.
SoonerScoop’s George Stoia reported, then Sooner on SI’s John Hoover confirmed on Tuesday that Ryan Fodje will not play in OU’s season opener after getting injured during Monday’s practice. Fodje was listed as the starting center on OU’s initial depth chart, which was released on Monday. Now, Western Kentucky transfer Caleb Nitta will likely get promoted from backup to starter for his OU debut. Freshman Noah Best could also be in the mix and Gunnar Allen was listed as the third-string.
According to Hoover, Fodje injured his knee and it’s not expected to be serious enough to sideline him long-term, but he will have an MRI soon to confirm his status. Maikkula also injured his knee during a scrimmage over fall camp and strained his MCL. His original timetable was 4-6 weeks, which had Maikkula returning for Week 2 against Michigan at the earliest.
Jake Maikkula replacement unknown again with Michigan looming
It was then a battle between Fodje, Nitta and Best to replace Maikkula. Despite never playing center before, other than a little bit in high school, Fodje emerged as the best option, and the entire program seemed confident in the sophomore who started six games last season between right guard and right tackle…