Brent Venables says OU left tackle Michael Fasusi is “just about ready” to return

Oklahoma football coach Brent Venables provided an encouraging update on left tackle Michael Fasusi on Tuesday, saying the Sooners’ starting blocker is “just about ready” to return from a shoulder injury. For a program that relies heavily on trench play to set the tempo, the possibility of getting a key offensive contributor back soon becomes a swing factor in the team’s week-to-week planning.

Fasusi’s situation has been framed as a near-term return by the coaching staff rather than a long timeline, according to the update reported from Venables’ comments. Venables also characterized Fasusi as someone Oklahoma could regard as among its top offensive players, underscoring the value of the role he fills on the left side of the offensive line.

At left tackle, Fasusi’s responsibilities typically include protecting the quarterback against pressure and sustaining protection along one of the more demanding matchups on the field. While the report centers on his recovery rather than game-week details, the fact that the head coach used “just about ready” language suggests the coaching staff believes Fasusi is approaching the point where practice and game involvement could be possible soon.

For Oklahoma, the immediate question is how the Sooners manage readiness without rushing the final steps of recovery. Even when a player is close, shoulder issues often come with caution about workload and contact progression. The coaching staff’s tone implies momentum toward a return, but it also leaves room for standard evaluation on the practice field before any full role is restored.

The practical impact goes beyond one player’s status. A returning starter at left tackle can stabilize both pass protection schemes and run-blocking alignments, which affects the timing of the entire offense. Oklahoma’s offensive line also tends to serve as a bridge between the quarterback’s decision-making and the offensive play calls, so the availability of a core presence at tackle can simplify preparation for the staff and reduce variables for the unit.

As Oklahoma continues its season routine, the key next detail is whether Fasusi’s “just about ready” status translates into full availability, meaning the coaching staff is comfortable with him taking on his expected in-game workload. If he returns, the Sooners will likely watch for how the line performs as a cohesive group rather than solely assessing his individual recovery.

Fans and observers should also watch how Oklahoma adjusts around his return, including whether any lineup changes from his absence remain in place. Even when a player is medically cleared in principle, teams frequently consider cohesion and chemistry during the transition back to a starting configuration.