As if Texas needed more bad news coming out of Red River week, it seems as if two key players are going to be out for some time.
Steve Sarkisian said both wide receiver Jordan Whittington and edge rusher Jacoby Jones are going to need surgery. Their timetable for return is unknown but both will miss Saturday’s game against Oklahoma State.
Whittington has a clavicle issue he suffered during the fourth quarter against Oklahoma. He injured himself while diving for a ball Casey Thompson was attempting to throw away.
With 24 receptions for 359 yards and three touchdowns, Whittington was the second leading receiver on the team.
Now, the wide receiver room is already thinner than it, adding onto Troy Omeire’s season-ending knee injury. Xavier Worthy and Joshua Moore will continue to be the guys in 12 personnel, but who steps up as a third receiver is unknown. Look for Marcus Washington or Kelvontay Dixon to get opportunities.
As for Jones, he was taken off the field in the first quarter with a foot injury. Texas is now down at their main pass-rushing position. Sarkisian said Alfred Collins and Ovie Oghoufo will have to step up in Jones’ absence.
With how big of an issue the pass rush was against Oklahoma, one of those two will have to elevate the defensive line. With how deep the Longhorns are on the inside and with the staff’s flirtation of Collins moving to jack, there should be a chance for a younger player to step up. True freshman Bryon Murphy was someone who received a lot of praise during fall camp.
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