# Oklahoma Sooners: Ryan Fodje Stays In Game Due to Depth Issues

> Oklahoma coach Brent Venables missed press conference after Ryan Fodje's injury limited him but stayed in game due to lack of depth.
- Title: Oklahoma Sooners: Ryan Fodje Stays In Game Due to Depth Issues
- Summary: Oklahoma coach Brent Venables missed press conference after Ryan Fodje's injury limited him but stayed in game due to lack of depth. Oklahoma's Ryan Fodje…
- Keywords: oklahoma, ryan fodje, brent venables, mississippi state, seattle, nfl, college football, oklahoma sooneers, defensive tackles, tory blaylock, offensive line, sports
- Source: Oklahoma Sooners On SI — https://si.com/college/oklahoma/football/ben-arbuckle-ryan-fodje-remained-in-game-due-to-lack-of-depth-01m5d0ygjc7f
- Published: 2026-10-20T17:05:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: oklahoma, ryan fodje, brent venables, mississippi state, seattle, nfl, college football, oklahoma sooneers, defensive tackles, tory blaylock, offensive line, sports
## Oklahoma Coach Absent
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables skipped Tuesday press conference after losing to Kentucky 21-13.
## Venables Sick with Flu
Athletic department spokesman said Venables was sick with flu-like symptoms.
## Todd Bates Steps In
Defensive tackles coach Todd Bates replaced Venables after offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle's session.
## Ryan Fodje Injury Impact
Ryan Fodje's injury limited him but coaches kept him in game due to offensive line depth concerns.
## Fodje's Post-Injury Struggles
Ben Arbuckle said Ryan Fodje's post-injury struggles weren't a communication breakdown.
## Fodje's Status Unclear
Fodje's status for Saturday's game and moving forward is unclear with SEC availability report Wednesday.
## Defense Firemen Mentality
Oklahoma defense has been one of nation's best with 260.7 yards per game allowed.
## Firemen Group Text
Oklahoma defense group text called 'The Firemen' reflects their fireman mentality.
## Bates on Venables
Todd Bates called Brent Venables the 'ultimate leader' who sets the thermostat every day.
## Tory Blaylock Progress
Tory Blaylock ran for 23 yards against Kentucky after preseason injury setback.
## Blaylock's Season Progress
Blaylock is starting to look like the player he was last season with 480 yards and four touchdowns.
## Oklahoma Running Game
Oklahoma needs a big spark in running game with Lloyd Avant leading with 267 yards.
## Key takeaway

Oklahoma's Ryan Fodje remained in game despite injury due to offensive line depth concerns, with coaches deciding to remove him after he became ineffective.