At some point this week, it is expected that doctors will determine the status of University of Tulsa junior wide receiver Thomas Roberson and sophomore middle linebacker Trent Martin.
Because of concussion symptoms, Roberson hasn’t played yet this season. The former Union High School star is with the team on a daily basis, but not allowed to participate in any drill that involves contact. His absence is conspicuous. A veteran of 19 starts, Roberson has a career total of 59 catches.
A sophomore middle linebacker from Jenks, Martin sustained a right-leg injury during last week’s loss at Oklahoma. He was scheduled for an MRI on Monday. A third-year member of the program, Martin is among the more experienced members of an otherwise extremely inexperienced Tulsa defense.
As TU prepares for its Thursday, Sept. 26 home date with Iowa State, additional difference-makers are hobbled or unavailable:
* Darrell Williams would have been involved in the cornerback rotation and on at least three special-teams units. Instead, he is on crutches. He sustained a dislocated knee during preseason camp.
* Junior wide receiver Keyarris Garrett, TU’s biggest wide receiver at 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, sustained a compound leg fracture during the final minute of the Sept. 7 victory over Colorado State. Garrett was a 67-catch, 845-yard, nine-touchdown contributor last season.
* Junior defensive end Chris Hummingbird remains bothered by an ankle injury sustained during the season-opening setback at Bowling Green.
During the 2012 season, Tulsa was fortunate in that its best players stayed healthy. There were 12 players who started in all 14 games. Seven more players made at least 10 starts.
During a 1-2 start this season, Tulsa has been jolted by the unfortunate combination of inexperience and injuries.
-- Bill Haisten
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