Mike Gundy Provides Injury Update For Starting Left Tackle Dalton Cooper
Injuries haven't played the biggest part in Oklahoma State's season, though they've dealt with a few. During the Cowboys' 39-32 win over Kansas on Saturday, Dalton Cooper left with an injury and didn't return during the game.
Because of Coopers' injury, Jake Springfield flipped to left tackle and the offensive line saw a shift, though it didn't ruin any momentum for the Cowboys.
"This is [Springfield's] best season yet," Mike Gundy said during his press conference on Monday.
While talking about Springfield during the press conference, Gundy also provided an injury update for Cooper, who is dealing with a shoulder issue.
"I think he'll practice and play. Seems to be fine," Gundy said.
According to Pro Football Focus, Cooper has played 364 snaps at offensive tackle over six games, splitting his total snaps between right and left tackle. He's got a 71.3 grade on the offensive side of the ball, with the best facet of his game being run blocking. This is on part with Ollie Gordon's big season.
Plenty of Gordon's big plays include him running wide and getting in space, which makes Cooper's impact that much bigger. If his biggest plays are coming off a tackle and tight end's block, Cooper being available is much more important.
The Cowboys are 4-2 through six games and seem to have found their stride over the last two games, upsetting both Kansas State and Kansas. Over those two games, the offensive line has looked much improved. Of course, having consistency under center and Gordon receiving the bulk of snaps in the backfield have both helped.
Being on the bubble of being ranked, the Cowboys upcoming matchup against West Virginia gets that much bigger, and having Cooper healthy for the matchup is going to be a positive as the offensive line looks to continue playing well.
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