Granger and Alexander making progress

Head coach Bob Stoops said junior defensive tackle DeMarcus Granger and freshman defensive end Frank Alexander may both return to practice as early as Monday.

Granger tore a ligament in his foot during OU’s game in Washington and was initially scheduled to miss four to six weeks. No timetable was given on when he will next be capable of playing in a game.

Alexander has been inactive since suffering knife wounds from an altercation in late August. Stoops had not made any previous announcements about his condition or when he would be able to see the field again.

“There’s been some speculation that [Granger] could play as soon as Monday,” head coach Bob Stoops said. “Alexander is closer too, and the doctors expect him to be out there Monday.”

Braxton misses practice

Senior guard Branndon Braxton did not practice on Monday after being injured against TCU. Stoops had no definitive comment on Braxton’s status during his Tuesday press conference.

“Braxton didn’t practice, so we’ll see how it goes through the week,” Stoops said.

Stoops and Venables remain close

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables commented about the 10 years both he and Stoops have spent at OU.

“It couldn’t be any better for an employee-employer relationship, let alone a personal or professional relationship,” Venables said. “I’m very, very fortunate for it.”

The two have coached together in 11 bowl games in their time at OU and Kansas State.

Moore showing improvement

Stoops said freshman defensive tackle Cordero Moore has shown improvement in practices and has made a positive impression on the coaching staff.

Moore saw extra playing time against TCU in Granger’s absence.

“The times he was in there Cordero made some nice plays, he really did,” Stoops said. “He had a tackle for a loss and he has been improving and showing more and more signs of improvement.”

— Kyle Burnett/The Daily