Marcell Ateman Likely out Until October

According to OSU receivers coach Kasey Dunn, senior receiver Marcell Ateman will be unavailable for the beginning of the season.

Ateman, who recently underwent surgery on a broken boot, is expected to return in October, although his recovery time could vary.

Ateman had a breakout year in 2015 and ended the season as OSU’s third-leading receiver. Ateman’s 6-4 frame gives him the advantage over most Big 12 cornerbacks, and he was expected to be part of an excellent receiving duo, along with junior James Washington. Ateman was expected to have a stellar final year as a Cowboy and was even named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list in July.

Although OSU’s non-conference schedule shouldn’t pose too big of a challenge, the Cowboys’ conference schedule has two early tests against Baylor and Texas. Ateman would ideally be healthy by the beginning of conference play, but until then, this gives role players like Jhajuan Seales and Chris Lacy the chance to take over on the outside until Ateman’s return.

In a recent Oklahoman article, Dunn stated that Ateman will be back “probably sooner rather than later.” And while his absence may not heavily affect the Cowboys early on, Ateman won’t have any time to get his bearings before conference play.