Texas Longhorns Release First SEC Injury Report Ahead of Mississippi State Clash
As the Texas Longhorns gear up for their highly anticipated SEC opener against Mississippi State, the team has made headlines by releasing its first-ever student-athlete availability report. This marks a significant moment for the Longhorns as they transition into the Southeastern Conference, a league known for its competitive nature and high stakes. The report, unveiled on Wednesday evening, reveals a challenging landscape for the Longhorns, particularly in the running back position.
Injury Woes in the Running Back Room
Injuries have plagued the Longhorns’ running back corps, with five players listed on the availability report. Among those sidelined are star running back CJ Baxter and fellow teammate Christian Clark, both of whom suffered season-ending injuries during training camp. Baxter, who had shown immense promise, is officially ruled out for the upcoming game, leaving a significant gap in the Longhorns’ offensive strategy.
The report also lists Velton Gardner as out, further depleting the running back options for head coach Steve Sarkisian. With such a critical position facing adversity, the Longhorns will need to rely on their remaining backs to step up and fill the void left by their injured teammates.
Doubts and Questions Surrounding Key Players
In addition to the running back injuries, the report highlights several other key players whose statuses are uncertain. Defensive back Derek Williams Jr. is listed as doubtful, while running back Colin Page shares the same fate. The uncertainty extends to wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. and quarterback Quinn Ewers, both of whom are marked as questionable. Ewers, who suffered an abdominal injury in the previous game against UTSA, practiced on Monday but remains a game-time decision.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian has emphasized the importance of monitoring Ewers’ progress throughout the week. "He’s got to do enough to show me he can play," Sarkisian stated, underscoring the delicate balance between player health and team performance.
The Next Man Up Mentality
With the Longhorns facing a potential reshuffling of their lineup, the "next man up" mentality will be crucial. If Ewers is unable to play, freshman quarterback Arch Manning is poised to make his second career start. The pressure will be on Manning to deliver in a high-stakes environment as Texas makes its SEC debut. The coaching staff will be looking for leadership and composure from the young quarterback, especially against a formidable opponent like Mississippi State.
Anticipation Builds for the SEC Opener
As the Longhorns prepare for their matchup against Mississippi State, excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. The game is set to kick off at 3:15 p.m. CT on Saturday, and it promises to be a thrilling encounter as Texas looks to establish itself in the SEC. The Longhorns will release updated injury reports on Thursday and Friday, providing fans with the latest information on player availability leading up to game day.
With the stakes high and the roster facing challenges, the Longhorns are determined to put their best foot forward in this new chapter of their football journey. The resilience of the team will be tested, but the spirit of Texas football remains strong as they aim for victory in their SEC debut.