Norman, Okla. ? Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops says he thinks star tailback Adrian Peterson will play again for the Sooners.
“I’m pretty convinced of that,” Stoops said. “Things may change, but at this point it hasn’t for him.”
Stoops has ruled out Peterson’s return for the 13th-ranked Sooners’ game today at Oklahoma State (6-5, 3-4 Big 12), but he believes it’s possible the 2004 Heisman runner-up could play in a bowl game.
Stoops’ decision this week was based on a bone scan that showed Peterson still needed time to heal.
“I understand the healing is going well,” Stoops said. “I don’t think through that image they can say (he’ll be back) this day. I think it’s something they will continue to monitor through whatever bone scans they do to determine that.”
Peterson has missed five games since breaking the collarbone against Iowa State on Oct. 14. Doctors initially said Peterson may be able to return in six weeks, but Oklahoma had figured it wouldn’t have him back until the postseason.
Stoops said Peterson has been running and training and remains “in shape.”
“If he could’ve played last week, he would have played,” Stoops said. “He wants to play as soon as he can play. End of story.”
