Cowboy football tackles threatening injuries

There are plenty of rumors circulating about what is causing OSU's sluggish play in the past couple of games but there is one undeniable truth — the Cowboys have more than their fair share of injuries.

On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Zac Robinson nursed a pulled leg muscle for a couple of weeks leading up to the opener against Georgia.

Running back Kendall Hunter exited the field in the first half against Houston and has worn a protective walking boot since.

Wide receiver Dez Bryant limped off the field against Rice in the third quarter and did not return.

Running back Keith Toston said one reason for all the injuries could be the Cowboy's effort and aggressiveness during play.

"Any time you have a player go out moving 110 mph, we go out there knowing you can get hurt on any play," Toston said. "I'm not worried about the guys who were banged up; they should be OK by Big 12 play and we'll be ready to roll."

Regarding Hunter's apparent ankle injury, Toston said, "There is no doubt in my mind he'll be OK (by the start of Big 12 play)."

Coach Mike Gundy said besides Bryant, cornerback Perrish Cox was also injured in the Cowboy's 41-24 victory against Rice.

"We're on a day-to-day basis with them and their injuries," Gundy said. "We'll try to work them in as the week goes."

Toston, who took over Hunter's duties as starting running back, said OSU's depth at running back has helped.

"It's more than just me, Kendall and Beau," he said. "We have at least three more running backs that can probably play somewhere else.

"So it's always a good thing when you are stacked up and it helps out when people start getting banged up."

On the other side, starting defensive end Jeremiah Price had surgery on his right hand and will be out two to four weeks, coach Mike Gundy said.

Defensive back Perrish Cox left the Rice game after a return in the fourth quarter. He came back on to the field wearing a sling and with ice on his shoulder but no further information was released.

With a Football Championship Subdivision opponent this week in Grambling State followed by a bye week, Oklahoma State's injuries came at a somewhat convenient time.

Gundy said he feels the need to go all-out for each game, regardless of opponent."If we have a guy who needs to be rested then we will not practice him as much and maybe not play him," he said. "If they have the capability of playing and it's not an injury or situation that could affect their career, then we will play them."

Safety Markelle Martin, who missed the first two games of the year with a hip injury, said OSU will approach Grambling State as they would any other team and play to get better.

"Just like coach Gundy tells us every day, you gotta fight through that toughness," Martin said. "You've gotta be strong. That open week we can get healthy, but as far as this week, everyone is still going to play and play hard."