Norman, Okla. ? Tailback Adrian Peterson sat out of Oklahoma’s practice Monday because of a right ankle injury, but coach Bob Stoops hopes Peterson will be able to return in time for the Sooners’ game Saturday against No. 2 Texas.
Peterson, who finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting last season, aggravated the injury in the second quarter of Oklahoma’s 43-21 victory against Kansas State on Saturday. He wore a boot Monday at practice.
“It’s better than it was (Sunday). It’s improved,” Stoops said. “They’re probably going to take that boot off (today). He’ll probably be ready to go, hopefully by Wednesday.”
Peterson left two other games with apparent foot injuries this season, but returned on both occasions. Stoops had said the injury was similar to the earlier ones, and he thought Peterson could have played in the second half if necessary. However, the Sooners were ahead 26-0.
In Peterson’s absence, Oklahoma ran for 156 yards in the second half against Kansas State.
Peterson, who ran for 225 yards in Oklahoma’s 12-0 victory against Texas last year, was not allowed to speak to reporters after practice Monday.
Earlier in the day, Texas coach Mack Brown said he expected Peterson to participate in the game at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
Oklahoma expects to be without starting center Chris Chester, who injured his right knee against K-State, and starting tackle Brandon Braxton’s status is uncertain. Offensive line coach Kevin Wilson said Braxton had a sore Achilles.
Wilson said he expected senior Chris Bush, who has experience at center, to move over a spot and replace Chester in the starting lineup while redshirt freshman J.D. Quinn and freshman Jon Cooper contribute at center and guard.
Morriss said Franchione told his coaches not to speak with Baylor coaches before the game and didn’t shake hands with him before kickoff.
“After the game, I started toward midfield. I looked for Fran,” Morriss said. “I waited what I thought was a reasonable amount of time. I don’t know, I couldn’t find him.”
Last week, some Baylor players used last year’s 35-34 win over the ranked Aggies as an opportunity for some trash talk about the Aggies.
Franchione said no slight was intended and denied telling his coaches not to talk to Baylor’s.
Other players winning conference honors this week were Texas linebacker Aaron Harris and punt returner Aaron Ross for defense and special teams. Against Missouri, Harris had an interception, 11 tackles and a sack. Ross finished with 129 punt return yards, including 88 yards for a touchdown.
