Gundy: Oklahoma State RB Hunter wants to play

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP)—Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy says it’s not an option to shut down starting tailback Kendall Hunter for the season due to a lingering injury.

Hunter had missed the Cowboys’ last five games before he had one carry for 1 yard in Saturday night’s 41-14 loss to Texas.

“Kendall doesn’t want to do that. Kendall wants to play,” Gundy said Sunday. “He’s continued to get a little better each week and he’s practiced, that hasn’t changed. Hopefully he’ll be in less pain this week.

“I don’t think that he’ll play at any time this season without feeling some sort of pain in that foot. That’s just my guess. Hopefully it’ll lessen as it progresses.”

Hunter’s injury has been described as a sprained right ankle. He led the Big 12 in rushing last season with 1,555 yards but has played only one full game this season.

The 18th-ranked Cowboys (6-2, 3-1 Big 12) play at Iowa State on Saturday afternoon.