Injury Report: What Positions Are Running Out of Depth Following Trip to Oregon

It only took two games for the season to begin testing Oklahoma State’s depth.

Much has been made of Oklahoma State’s thin depth at quarterback following Hauss Hejny’s injury in the season opener. 

But that isn’t the only position where the Cowboys are running low on available options. Of course, every injury could matter even more this season with rosters capped at 105 players for the first time.

Injury update

QB

Hauss Hejny: Underwent surgery to repair a Jones fracture. He will miss multiple weeks. More on his timeline for returning to the field can be read here.

Oklahoma State has three quarterbacks left on the roster, but two of them were in high school last season. The Cowboys will want to protect Zane Flores at all cost, although Gundy said the team won’t play scared when it comes to its quarterback situation.

TE

Quinton Stewart: Carted off early in the game and was later seen in a boot.

Oscar Hammond: Didn’t make the trip, according to the broadcast, after also missing the opener.

Oklahoma State has seven tight ends listed on the roster, but the injuries to Hammond and Stewart could force OSU to rely on one of its three freshmen at the position sooner than anticipated.

OL

C Kasen Carpenter: Did travel to Eugene after leaving the opener with an injury. Austin Kawecki got the start at center in his place, suggesting he was there just in case.

LT Markell Samuel: Didn’t play due to a foot injury. Right tackle Nuku Mafi started in his place, while backup tackle Grant Seagren got the start on the right side.

Oklahoma State has 21 offensive linemen listed on its roster, so the Cowboys aren’t running out of big bodies anytime soon. However, OSU’s line didn’t gel in the first game so building chemistry will be challenging if the room keeps playing musical chairs.

RB

Trent Howland: Was seen wearing a boot during the later portion of the game after a mildly impressive showing in his first action of the season.

 “I think he turned an ankle,” Mike Gundy said after the loss. “Obviously we’ll know more tomorrow.”

Fellow running back Rodney Fields Jr. did see the field often on Saturday after coaches held him out of the opener due to injury concerns. So he could split increased reps with other backs if Howland needs to miss time.

DL

DE DeSean Brown: During the pre-game radio broadcast, it was announced that Brown will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

DT Michael Diatta: Missed the opener and did not play against Oregon.

The Cowboys have 12 more defensive linemen on the roster, including four freshmen. Most teams prefer to throw bodies at these positions, so this could be an area to watch if more injuries occur.

DB

CB Cam Smith: Left the game due to injury.

STAR Kenneth Harris: Left the game late in the third quarter after needing medical assistance on the field. 

DB Jaylin Davies: The UCLA/Oregon transfer made the trip to his old stomping grounds but has been on the sideline in street clothes for the Cowboys’ first two games.

Given the lopsided nature of the game, perhaps the Cowboys were just being cautious with one or both of these guys who left on Saturday. The secondary is a real position of depth for OSU. Eight Cowboys played at least 10 snaps in the season opener, and most of those guys rotated in early on against UT Martin.