UH’s Ed Oliver practices, could return for game against Memphis.

University of Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver went through practice Tuesday, leaving open the possibility he could return for Friday’s showdown at Memphis for the West Division title and spot in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game.

Coach Major Applewhite said the team’s medical staff continues to monitor Oliver, who has missed the last four games with a bruised right knee.

Asked if Oliver has given any indication whether he will play, Applewhite said: “Not really, other than he’s just continued to practice and work hard and be a part of the team. It looks like he is prepar- ing to go play.”

Oliver, widely projected as a top-10 pick in the 2019 NFL draft, also went through practice Monday.

“He looked good moving around,” Applewhite said. “If he can play, and if his knee allows him to play, then he will. If it doesn’t, then he won’t.”

King’s surgery deemed success

Quarterback D’Eriq

King underwent successful surgery Monday to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

King, who was responsible for a nation-best 50 touchdowns this season, suffered the injury on a non-contact play just before halftime of last week’s 48-17 win over Tulane.

Coach Major Applewhite said King’s recovery time is expected to be “probably two months to fourth months at the latest.”

“His spirits are high,” Applewhite said. “He’s going to attack it the same way he has everything else.”

Coogs vs. Coogs in Texas Kickoff

UH’s non-conference football game against Washington State will be part of the 2019 Advocare Texas Kickoff, the school announced Tuesday.

The game will be played Friday, Sept. 13, at NRG Stadium and televised on ESPN. It was previously scheduled for Sept. 14 at TDECU Stadium.

UH played in the game in 2016, beating thirdranked Oklahoma 33-23.

“We are honored to receive the invitation to participate in the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff,” UH vice president for athletics

Chris Pezman said. “We have fond memories from our last action in the event and look forward to creating more in front of our hometown fans in a prime-time nationally televised game.”

UH will make a return trip to Pullman, Wash., on Sept. 12, 2020.