Fasusi doubtful, Smothers off report as Red River availability takes shape

Oklahoma left tackle Michael Fasusi is doubtful for Saturday’s Red River Rivalry, while Texas running back Hollywood Smothers is absent from the first SEC availability report. The conference posted the initial report Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. Central, giving Dallas a first official checkpoint before the Oct. 10 game.

The Texas–Oklahoma matchup is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Central, or 3:30 p.m. Eastern, in Dallas. Wednesday’s designations describe the current outlook. They are not the final word on everyone’s game availability.

Oklahoma’s line remains unsettled

Fasusi is one of three Sooners listed as doubtful, alongside offensive lineman Fred Hinton and tight end Trynae Washington. Another offensive lineman, Eddy Pierre-Louis, is questionable. Those designations leave multiple questions about Oklahoma’s blocking personnel ahead of the rivalry game.

The Oklahoman’s Colton Sulley reported that Fasusi has been dealing with a shoulder injury that has bothered him since training camp. Sulley also noted Brent Venables’ earlier assessment that Fasusi had improved. The doubtful designation is the fresh update; neither that assessment nor Wednesday’s report establishes that he will play.

Oklahoma lists Taylor Heim, Trell Harris, Xavier Robinson and Jacobe Johnson as out. Its other questionable players are Jer’Michael Carter, Cole Sullivan, Michael Boganowski and Jack Van Dorselaer. Owen Heinecke is probable.

Smothers no longer appears on Texas’ report

Anwar Richardson of Orangebloods identified Smothers’ absence from the list as a change from the running back’s questionable status before the Tennessee game because of a foot injury. Being unlisted gives Texas a different availability picture this week, but it does not promise a workload or provide a medical diagnosis.

Texas has four players on the initial report. Offensive lineman Jordan Coleman is out. Receiver Kaliq Lockett and defensive lineman Justus Terry are doubtful, and tight end Nick Townsend is probable.

The clearest difference Wednesday is the number of unresolved names along Oklahoma’s line, while Smothers no longer carries a listed designation for Texas. Fans planning around the game should use the later conference reports for any status changes. The kickoff remains Saturday afternoon in Dallas.