OU football: Lincoln Riley says 'no change' in Ronnie Perkins' status, despite report

NORMAN — If OU coach Lincoln Riley is to be believed, defensive end Ronnie Perkins was in Ames on Saturday night strictly for moral support.

"Just his presence there was really positive and I thought he contributed to an excited sideline," Riley said Monday. "Just was really good for some of our young guys there in key positions. His status for Saturday has not changed."

But a source has indicated Saturday that Perkins had an appeal approved and would return before two other players who were suspended for the same infraction. Perkins' appeal was approved before the Iowa State game, though there were still procedural hurdles to clear before he could return to action. Those couldn't be wrapped up before Saturday's game but he's still expected to be available Saturday against Texas (11 a.m., Fox).

Neither Perkins no wide receiver Trejan Bridges or running back Rhamondre Stevenson have been on the sidelines for the Sooners until Perkins was there for Saturday's game. 

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All three were suspended for failing an NCAA drug test. Sources have said all three tested positive for marijuana.

Riley was asked later in the Big 12 teleconference if Perkins' status could change before Saturday and he doubled down that there had been no change.

"Honestly, kind of in the same spot that we've been with all three of those guys," Riley said. "It could change in five minutes, it could change maybe in three more weeks. I wish I had more answers, but sadly I do not."