Bradford resumes throwing for No. 10 Sooners

[September 22, 2009]  NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford attempted to go through quarterback drills with Oklahoma on Monday as he rehabs from a sprained right shoulder.

Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said after practice that Bradford "was doing more today than he's done."

"Don't read anything into it," Wilson said. "There was more going on but I think as you do more, you see the next day where it is or (after) two days where it is. I think any time you come off deals, you try to push through things. Do you push and is it positive, or is there a little regression?

"Until you get to the point where you start pushing through it, we'll see how it plays out."

Bradford has missed the last two games for the No. 10 Sooners (2-1) after spraining the AC joint in his throwing shoulder just before halftime in the team's season-opening loss to BYU. Coach Bob Stoops has said Bradford would be out two to four weeks, putting the timeframe for his return at approximately the same time as Oklahoma's next game at ninth-ranked Miami (2-0) on Oct. 3.

Bradford's teammates said he went through team drills for the first time since he was hurt on Sept. 5, but his participation was limited to short throws without requiring him to make a full follow-through.

"I didn't see him just all the way extend, but I've seen him throwing some little 5- or 10-yard passes. That's promising," said Ryan Broyles, the Sooners' leading receiver with seven touchdown catches.

Wilson said it would be "interesting" as the Sooners go through the week to see how Bradford recovers. He thought Bradford would need to be practice for at least a couple days before the Miami game to regain his timing with the Sooners for him to be able to play against Miami.

Redshirt freshman Landry Jones has replaced Bradford and set a school record with six touchdown passes in Saturday's 45-0 win against Tulsa.

"I think he definitely has to practice. How much? I don't know. Coach Stoops and (quarterbacks coach) Josh (Heupel) can decide that," Wilson said. "The comforting thing is you know Landry's playing well enough that we can definitely have a chance against any opponent. The key deal is not Sam and not Landry at quarterback. It's the surrounding parts of our football team and playing well in all phases."

Jones said Bradford was doing the Sooners' quarterback drills Monday, but that hasn't changed the way he is practicing.

"Right now, I am preparing like I will be the starter for Miami, just in case Sam's not back and not ready," Jones said.

Stoops said Bradford "continues to do well, but we're not getting into any speculations" about whether he'll play against Miami.

"If it is Landry, he's handling it really well," Stoops said. "He's been consistent and solid. I think more than anything, it's the players around him and the last couple weeks the players around him have played better."

[Associated Press; By JEFF LATZKE]

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