OSU’s Jarka expected to play against A&M
Published: 9/23/2010 9:35 AM
Last Modified: 9/23/2010 9:35 AM
STILLWATER – To the relief of coordinator Bill Young, Oklahoma State senior defensive tackle Shane Jarka is on course to play in next Thursday’s Big 12 opener against Texas A&M.
During the Sept. 4, season-opening victory over Washington State, Jarka sustained a knee injury that ultimately resulted in a minor surgery. Jarka’s absence diminished an already thin group at tackle and pressed freshmen like Anthony Rogers and Davidell Collins into getting more game reps than would have been the case.
But Jarka has been on the practice field this week, with no brace or sleeve on the knee. Coach Mike Gundy indicated that Jarka should be ready for the A&M contest.
The Cowboys benefit not only from the presence of Jarka, but from the return to practice of middle linebackers Tolu Moala and Caleb Lavey. Both were injured in August and it was believed that both would miss the entire season. But Moala (knee) was on the field for 12 plays during last week’s blowout win over the University of Tulsa, while Lavey (a freshman who sustained an elbow injury) returned to practice this week.
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
