Larry Birdine - Photo by LaizurePhoto

NORMAN — Oklahoma defensive end Larry Birdine's services have been lost for the season after it was discovered he suffered a torn left biceps muscle recently. Coach Bob Stoops made the announcement after Tuesday's practice.

Birdine is scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday for the injury he intially sustained earlier in fall practice. Initially thought only to be a strain, further testing determined the full extent of the trauma to his biceps.

The Lawton native played as a reserve last season behind Dan Cody and Jonathan Jackson, but still ranked second on the team with 11 tackles for loss. He finished third on the team with seven sacks.

"It was kind of a fluke injury," Stoops said. "He just got tangled up with Travis Wilson in a pass skel. There really wasn't much contact."

Only a junior, Birdine is eligible to redshirt and could return in 2006 for his senior season. He was slated to start at defensive end this fall.

Birdine's departure from the rotation potentially elevates senior Calvin Thibideaux into a starting role, along with JUCO transfrer C.J. Ah You. It also means sophomore John Wiliams will probably see more action early on. The Sooners are still waiting to see if sophomore Alonzo Dotson will qualify academically for the fall.

In other news, the Sooners will hold their final scrimmage of the preseason Wednesday. That workout will be closed to the public.

OU's season opener is Sept. 3 when TCU visits for a game that will be televised regionally by ABC.