Oklahoma RB Patrick recovering from sprained ankle, may play in opener

NORMAN, Okla. -- Tailback Allen Patrick went through about half of Oklahoma's practice on Wednesday and may be able to start Saturday against North Texas.

Patrick missed more than two weeks of practice and had been wearing a protective boot on his right foot while recovering from a sprained ankle.

"He said he feels better than he did when he played on it last year," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. "Again, he's getting better and we're working him toward playing."

Patrick, the expected replacement for star Adrian Peterson, also sprained his right ankle last season and missed two games before returning to run for 163 yards and a touchdown in the regular season finale against Oklahoma State.

His backup, Chris Brown, was suspended for the North Texas game. Senior Jacob Gutierrez, who ran for 173 yards as a third-stringer in a double-overtime win over Baylor two years ago, and freshmen DeMarco Murray and Mossis Madu could see playing time.