Wort Expected to Play This Week

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables told reporters yesterday that he expects sophomore linebacker Tom Wort "to be ready to play Saturday against Texas Tech," the Oklahoman reports. Wort has been primarily dealing with a back injury.

Venables did note that he has been impressed by junior linebacker Jaydan Bird, who has replaced Wort when he's had to come off of the field.

“I've been very proud of him, really proud,” Venables said, adding Bird worked mostly at weakside linebacker last week only to have to enter for Wort in the middle.  

“He's got to know the game plan at both,” Venables said, “so it's harder than it probably seems.”