Oklahoma Defensive Injury Concern
Oklahoma Star Defensive Tackle David Stone Suffers Knee Injury Before Georgia Game
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Key Points
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Georgia’s offense leads the SEC in scoring at 59.3 points per game, yards per play at 8.69, rushing yards per carry at 7.31 and third-down conversion rate at 62.1%, underscoring the challenge facing Oklahoma’s defense.
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Georgia coach Kirby Smart praised Oklahoma’s entire defensive front, saying Stone is its leader but that every Sooners defender plays with “great pad level and great effort” and runs to the ball as if the unit is in “elite shape.”
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Stone has emerged as a major contributor after a limited freshman season: he recorded 42 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 2025, when Oklahoma’s defense led the SEC in total defense, scoring defense and sacks.
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Stone is viewed as a potential first-round 2027 NFL Draft prospect; ESPN analyst Jordan Reid projected the New York Jets to select him 12th overall in an August mock draft.
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Oklahoma was listed as a two-touchdown underdog at Georgia, where the Bulldogs have won 42 of their past 45 SEC games.
Oklahoma star defensive tackle David Stone suffered a left knee injury during Monday's practice after colliding with a scout-team player during a jog-through session, according to A to Z Sports. The preseason All-American underwent initial X-rays that came back positive, Yahoo Sports reported, though head coach Brent Venables said Stone's pain level was "about a two out of 10" and further testing including an MRI would determine the injury's severity.
Stone's potential absence looms large ahead of Saturday's game at No. 2 Georgia. The junior recorded eight tackles, two tackles for loss and a half-sack in Oklahoma's 14-6 win over New Mexico on Saturday, and defensive leaders say he anchors the Sooners' front. Georgia coach Kirby Smart praised Stone as the leader of Oklahoma's defensive front, saying the unit plays with "great pad level and great effort" and "runs to the ball like they're in elite shape."
How the Injury Happened and What's Next
Stone's knee "kind of popped out" when he ran it into a scout-team player during Monday's low-intensity practice, A to Z Sports reported. Venables confirmed the incident occurred during a routine jog-through, not during full-contact drills. The preliminary X-rays were encouraging, but Oklahoma will conduct an MRI to rule out structural damage before determining whether Stone can play Saturday.
If Stone misses the Georgia game, Dallas News noted that Oklahoma has backup options. Boise State transfer Braxton Fely, who recorded 5.5 sacks last season, could see more snaps. Bishop Thomas, Trent Wilson, and Jayden Jackson are also available to absorb additional reps at defensive tackle.
Why Stone's Absence Would Hurt Against Georgia's Offense
Georgia's offense is historically dominant. The Bulldogs rank first in the SEC in scoring with 59.3 points per game, yards per play at 8.69, rushing yards per carry at 7.31, and third-down conversion rate at 62.1%. They've won 42 of their last 45 SEC games at Sanford Stadium. Stone is the defensive anchor tasked with disrupting plays in the trenches.
Oklahoma's defense led the SEC last season in total defense, scoring defense, and sacks. Stone contributed 42 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks in 2025. Losing him to injury would significantly weaken the Sooners' interior pass rush and run defense in a critical matchup. Oklahoma opened as a 14-point underdog.
Stone's Rising Draft Profile and Long-Term Impact
Stone has emerged as a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Yahoo Sports reported that ESPN analyst Jordan Reid projected the New York Jets to select him 12th overall in an August mock draft. A serious knee injury could impact his draft stock and alter his trajectory to the professional level.
The injury also comes at a pivotal moment for Oklahoma's season. After a modest freshman year, Stone became a star contributor in 2025 as Oklahoma's defense anchored the team's success. His status for Saturday's game and the remainder of the SEC schedule will shape both the team's defensive identity and Stone's professional future.
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