As No. 3 Texas gears up for Senior Day against the Kentucky Wildcats, head coach Steve Sarkisian delivered difficult news during Thursday’s SEC-mandated injury report. While a few players on the defensive side of the ball received positive updates, the Longhorns confirmed that three critical contributors are officially out for the remainder of the season.
The injury report lists four players as “out,” three of whom are running backs that have already missed significant time this season. Sophomore CJ Baxter Jr., freshman Christian Clark, and senior Velton Gardner will not suit up again in 2024, leaving Texas with a thinner rotation in the backfield. Additionally, sophomore safety Derek Williams Jr. is sidelined due to a lower-body injury sustained during the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma in mid-October.
Key Injury Updates for Week 13
Morice Blackwell Jr., LB
There is some optimism regarding senior linebacker Morice Blackwell Jr., who was initially listed as “questionable” earlier this week but has been upgraded to “probable” for the Kentucky game. Blackwell missed Texas’ last matchup against Arkansas but has been a critical piece of the Longhorns’ defense and special teams this season.Sarkisian expressed hope for Blackwell’s return, stating, “These guys are integral to what we do, not just defensively but across all phases. We’re optimistic he’ll be ready to go.” Blackwell has logged a career-high 21 tackles and five defensive stops in nine games this season, proving his value as a dependable presence in the linebacker corps.
A Backfield in Flux
The loss of Baxter, Clark, and Gardner has forced Texas to rely on its depth at running back. While the Longhorns have found ways to adjust throughout the season, the absence of three experienced backs poses a significant challenge as the team looks to secure a strong finish to the regular season.
Safety Concerns
Derek Williams Jr.’s absence has also been a major blow for the Longhorns’ secondary. The sophomore standout’s injury leaves a void in Texas’ defense as they prepare to face a dynamic Kentucky offense.
Despite the setbacks, the Longhorns remain focused on their matchup with Kentucky, aiming to cap off Senior Day with a win and continue their pursuit of a strong postseason position.
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