NORMAN, Okla. (AP) Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops says quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to play Saturday against Oklahoma State after sustaining a concussion a week ago.
Mayfield took a helmet-to-helmet hit from TCU linebacker Ty Summers early in the second quarter of a 30-29 win last Saturday. The Heisman hopeful finished the quarter, but didn’t play in the second half after acknowledging he had a headache.
Mayfield passed the concussion protocol a day after being hit, and Stoops said in a statement Friday that Mayfield has practiced all week.
Having Mayfield available is critical for the Sooners. Fifth-ranked Oklahoma (10-1, 7-1 Big 12) can clinch the Big 12 conference title with a victory over the ninth-ranked Cowboys (10-1, 7-1).
The Sooners are No. 3 in the College Football Playoff rankings, and likely would clinch a berth in the playoff with a win.
Mayfield said he had a concussion in high school, and that one was more severe. He understood why he was taken out of Saturday’s game but it was tough to watch from the sideline as the Sooners struggled. Oklahoma led TCU 23-7 at halftime, barely hanging on for the win.
”I didn’t think I had a concussion at the time because I didn’t have the same symptoms I had five years ago when I first had my concussion,” he said Monday. ”So I was out there. I felt normal. I was out there celebrating with the guys when we got the victory, was in there along for the ride, but then it felt normal.”
Mayfield has completed 69 percent of his passes, with 32 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also has 343 yards rushing and six TDs. He has made numerous electrifying plays scrambling, and that puts him at risk. Stoops wants Mayfield to be careful, but Mayfield said he won’t change his approach.
”I’m not afraid of concussions,” Mayfield said. ”I signed up for football. I wear a helmet for a reason. So I know what I’m getting myself into when I play football. I mean, yeah, I’ve had a concussion before and I happened to get one on Saturday. But I’m tough.”
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Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter (at)CliffBruntAP.
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