Oklahoma State football: Without getting much practice in, it's unlikely Wes Lunt will play against Texas

Last Tuesday, ESPN cameras captured Lunt transporting himself around the Cowboys' football facility on crutches — and J.W. Walsh getting the vast majority of the quarterback work during practice — when the network was in town to feature OSU on ESPNU's All Access show.

But Monday, Cowboy coach Mike Gundy said during his weekly news conference that the medical staff was encouraged by how rapidly Lunt was healing, and that the cast was scheduled to be taken off that day and replaced by a removable device. Additionally, Lunt “or” Walsh was listed as the starter for Saturday night's Big 12 opener against Texas.

Gundy even dangled this possibility in front of the media:

“I think he'll be out there with us before the end of the week.”

That's a vague statement, possibly by design. Anything that hints Lunt could play would force the Longhorn defense to prepare for both a pocket passer in Lunt and a dual-threat quarterback in Walsh.

So what are the chances, really, that Lunt takes the field Saturday? Because there's a difference between being healthy enough to walk around while wearing a brace, being able to resume practicing, being available to play in a game and being ready to start in a prime-time, nationally televised contest against one of the early favorites to contend for the Big 12 title.

“Out there with us” could mean full-blown practicing. Or it could also mean working on the side with strength and conditioning coach Rob Glass, a common activity for players recovering from injury, rather than participating in any drills or live reps.