Report: Ailing QB Stidham will play, Briles says
Count him in.
Baylor freshman quarterback Jarrett Stidham is nursing a badly bruised back, but after some initial concern, the injury is now not expected to keep him from starting Saturday's matchup at No. 6 Oklahoma State, a critical game to the Bears' Big 12 championship three-peat hopes.
According to David Smoak of ESPN Radio in Central Texas, Baylor coach Art Briles informed him via text Thursday evening that Stidham will start.
On Wednesday, Briles said Stidham's injury, sustained in the first quarter of last week's loss to Oklahoma, wasn't improving as quickly as hoped. Stidham has started the last two games in place of Seth Russell, whose season came to a premature end after a neck injury that required surgery. In the case Stidham isn't able to play, No. 10 Baylor (8-1, 5-1 Big 12) would likely turn to sophomore Chris Johnson, who switched to wide receiver after Stidham won the backup job during fall camp.
The Bears, who have won the last two Big 12 titles -- sharing it last season with TCU -- must beat Oklahoma State (10-0, 7-0) to stay in the race. Baylor then has two more games remaining at TCU on Nov. 27 and at home against Texas on Dec. 5