OU notebook

Despite breaking a bone in his right hand, redshirt freshman defensive tackle Gerald McCoy has been practicing and playing thanks to a cast he only wears on the field.

In games, McCoy can't grab with his right hand, but he can move his wrist thanks to adjustments made to the cast. He can also take the cast off before and after practice.

During the day, he tapes his middle and ring finger together to support the broken fourth metacarpal bone he suffered against Miami.

After missing the Utah State game, McCoy returned against Tulsa and made his first and only tackle of the season.

McCoy is excited about returning to the field in time for Big 12 Conference play.

"This is where it really counts,” McCoy said. "We need to keep our heads and play Sooner football.”

• DE Williams to return next year? Tuesday, defensive end John Williams underwent successful surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon he suffered against Tulsa.

Williams has had his last three seasons ended prematurely by injury, the two before coming from knee injuries.

But Williams may not be done at OU.

Because Williams' injury came in the fourth game, he'll have a chance at receiving a medical redshirt from the NCAA to return for a sixth season, similar to what former OU quarterback Jason White received.

Williams has been on campus for five seasons, redshirting his freshman year in 2003. But a medical redshirt won't be discussed between Williams and the OU coaches until later this year.

"Ultimately, it's his choice,” said defensive ends coach Chris Wilson. "We'll give him every option available to him, every option the NCAA provides us.

"Him and his family will sit down with coach (Bob) Stoops and make a decision.”

Junior Alan Davis and redshirt freshman Jeremy Beal will see more action in Williams' place.

• Hawkins not big: Colorado