Quinn Ewers’ Injury Status Ahead of Texas vs. Mississippi State
As the Texas Longhorns gear up for their highly anticipated matchup against Mississippi State, head coach Steve Sarkisian has confirmed that quarterback Quinn Ewers will be listed as questionable on the injury report. This designation raises questions about Ewers’ availability for the game, which is crucial for the Longhorns as they look to maintain momentum in their season.
Ewers’ Injury Background
Quinn Ewers sustained his injury during the second quarter of Texas’ recent victory against UTSA. After the injury, he was seen retreating to the sideline and subsequently to the locker room for evaluation. Unfortunately for Longhorns fans, Ewers returned to the sideline in street clothes, signaling that he would not be returning to the game. His absence was felt deeply, as he has been a pivotal player for the Longhorns this season.
The Questionable Designation
The "questionable" label assigned to Ewers implies that he has a 50/50 chance of playing against Mississippi State. This uncertainty adds an element of suspense to the game, as fans and analysts alike speculate on whether Ewers will be able to take the field. His performance has been instrumental in Texas’ success, and his potential absence could significantly impact the team’s offensive strategy.
Arch Manning Steps Up
In Ewers’ absence, freshman quarterback Arch Manning stepped in during the UTSA game and performed admirably. He not only filled the role but also made his first career start the following week against UL Monroe, leading the Longhorns to victory. Manning’s ability to step up under pressure has provided a glimmer of hope for Texas fans, but the team would undoubtedly prefer to have their starting quarterback back in action.
Other Injury Updates for Texas
The Longhorns are facing a challenging injury situation beyond Ewers. Alongside him, wide receiver DeAndre Moore has also been designated as questionable after suffering an injury during the UTSA game. Texas has listed five players as out for the upcoming game, including four running backs: CJ Baxter, Christian Clark, Velton Gardner, and Colin Page. Baxter and Clark are both sidelined for the entire 2024 season due to knee and Achilles injuries, respectively.
Additionally, defensive back Derek Williams has been ruled out, while deep snapper Tate Haver has been designated as doubtful. On a more positive note, Texas has named defensive back Jelani McDonald, running back Quintrevion Wisner, and edge rusher Barryn Sorrell as probable for the SEC debut this weekend.
Mississippi State’s Injury Report
The injury woes are not exclusive to Texas. Mississippi State has also designated ten players as out for the game, including starting quarterback Blake Shapen, who will miss the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury. The Bulldogs will also be without defensive backs DeAgo Brumfield and Traveon Wright, as well as offensive players like wide receiver Creed Whitmore and running back Keyvone Lee.
Understanding the SEC Injury Report
The SEC football availability report is a crucial tool for teams and fans alike. The initial report is released on Wednesday night before a game, with daily updates leading up to a final injury report 90 minutes before kickoff. Players are categorized as available, probable, questionable, doubtful, or out, providing a clear picture of who might take the field. On gameday, designations shift to available, a game-time decision, or out.
Failure to accurately report player statuses can lead to significant penalties for schools, ranging from $25,000 for a first offense to $100,000 for repeated violations. This system ensures transparency and fairness in the competitive landscape of college football.
The Stakes for Texas
As the Longhorns prepare for their SEC debut against Mississippi State, the status of Quinn Ewers and other key players will be pivotal. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, Texas will need to navigate these injury challenges carefully to secure a victory and set the tone for the rest of the season. The upcoming game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams facing their own hurdles as they strive for success on the field.