Tag: Texas Football injury report

Texas Football: What Steve Sarkisian said in Monday’s press conference

The team’s goals are still intact.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian spoke with the media as he usually does on Monday. Following another gut-wrenching loss, Sarkisian faced the music and answered questions from Texas media.

Sarkisian owned up to the performance and issued an apology to the fanbase for allowing the loss to distract from singing The Eyes of Texas after the game. The second-year head coach was reflective and shared some of his introspection with the public.

Among the takeaways, Sarkisian noted that he should have ran the ball more. Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson experienced early success, but seemed to have stalled in the second half.

The Longhorns will have a significant opportunity for growth this week. Both the players and coaching staff stand to improve following the loss.

With the team’s goals still ahead of them, here’s what Steve Sarkisian had to say to the media.

Texas players that will need to step up following injuries

Recent injuries all but guarantee at least one freshman will start the season opener.

Texas received bad news Sunday afternoon.

Per reports, gifted and hard-working receiver transfer Isaiah Neyor and indispensable leader Junior Angilau could both be dealing with a season-ending knee injury.

Steve Sarkisian will no doubt sympathize with the players, but will be also tasked with putting a team on the field in three weeks.

One of the deepest positions on the team appears to be dwindling down. Neyor’s injury and Agiye Hall’s suspension leave a vacancy at wide receiver I am not sure who will fill.

There is one Isaiah Neyor on this team. Savion Red has emerged as a potential impact player but likely will play in the slot. Jordan Whittington, Tarique Milton and Brenen Thompson also figure to play from the slot.

Outside of those four Texas could turn to Casey Cain, Troy Omeire or Jahleel Billingsley to play on the outside. Cain is still unproven, while injuries have derailed Omeire’s past playing opportunities.

As for Billingsley, the talented pass catcher presumably would have to learn an entirely new position.

Here’s a look at players who may be called upon to step up in the absence of injured players.

Texas wide receiver Jordan Whittington out for the regular season

Another year, another heartbreaking injury diagnosis for Texas wide receiver Jordan Whittington.

Another year, another heartbreaking injury diagnosis for Texas wide receiver Jordan Whittington.

Steve Sarkisian confirmed Whittington was going to be out for the rest of the regular season with a clavicle injury. He injured it diving for a ball during Texas’ loss to Oklahoma on Oct. 9.

This will mark the second regular season-ending injury of his career. However, a return at some point in the postseason was not ruled out by the head coach.

“It’d be great to get him back, whether it’s a possible Big 12 Championship or bowl game, I know he wants to work back,” said Sarkisian.

Whittington came to Austin as a five-star prospect with a lot of hope. Injuries have done nothing but derail his career over the past three seasons. A groin injury ended a much-anticipated freshman season. A mix of knee and hip problems only let him play in five guys last year and now, the clavicle.

Performances may have been inconsistent but Whittington was on pace to have a great season. Through six games, he managed 24 receptions for 359 yards and three touchdowns. With all the attention Xavier Worthy was going to attract from Big 12 defenses in the second half of the season, breakout numbers could have been on deck.

Looking to the rest of the Texas wide receiver room, Joshua Moore and Xavier Worthy will remain Casey Thompson’s favorite targets. To replace Whittington, Sarkisian mentioned Marcus Washington and Kelvontay Dixon.

Washington has started three games this season, notably blocking for Worthy on his opening play touchdown against Oklahoma. The junior has been waiting for his moment to break out. An opportunity awaits over the next six games.

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Steve Sarkisian provides injury report ahead of Rice matchup

Looking for a positive to come out of Arkansas, Texas mostly remained healthy. Only two players are expected to miss Saturday’s game vs Rice.

Looking for a positive to come out of the Arkansas game, Texas mostly remained healthy. Only two players are expected to miss to game against Rice on Saturday.

The first is wide receiver Troy Omeire. The redshirt freshman has yet to play a snap for the Longhorns despite it being his second year on campus. The former four-star is still rehabilitating a knee injury.

“Troy [Omeire] at this point, I would imagine, probably week to week,” Sarkisian said.

Cornerback Jahdae Barron is the second player expected to be out. After getting some snaps against Arkansas, the sophomore will not be back until the Red River Shootout against Oklahoma at the earliest. It’s another knee issue but this time, a sprain.

For some positive news, tight end Jared Wiley will be back in the lineup this weekend. Horns247 was the first to report he was back in practice and expected to play vs the Owls. The head coach confirmed the report on Thursday.

Adding Wiley back into the offense should open up a different dimension for Sarkisian on Saturday. From a blocking and pass game standpoint, using an experienced tight end should help a ton in 12 personnel.

It’s Rice but Texas desperately needs to get back on track. Wiley should be a great weapon for both Casey Thompson and Hudson Card.

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Texas WR Joshua Moore not practicing due to shoulder injury

Joshua Moore did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to a shoulder injury. According to Texas, the wide receiver is listed as day-to-day.

The injury bug has been nice to Texas early on in fall camp. No significant injuries have occurred, keeping Steve Sarkisian’s squad fresh before the season opener against Louisiana.

However, one of the Longhorns’ projected top offensive players will be missing some practice time.

Joshua Moore did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to a shoulder injury. According to Texas, the wide receiver is listed as day-to-day, hoping to get back on the field as soon as possible.

Dealing with injuries is nothing new for Moore. He suffered a knee injury against TCU last season and then a shoulder injury against Oklahoma State. Despite the setbacks, Moore was able to have a solid season on paper.

Being the leading receiver last season, Moore hauled in 30 receptions for 472 yards and nine touchdowns. If the 2021 season were to start today, he is expected to be one of the starters.

Being able to gain weight has been a big part of Moore’s offseason, now weighing in at 176 pounds.

“I’ve always been the smallest player on the field my whole life,” said Moore. “It’s just about your heart in my opinion.”

After playing last season 12 pounds lighter, Moore is ready to play in Sarkisian’s offense. He knows how well the head coach can scheme wide receivers into good positions.

“What makes [Sarkisian’s offense] so unique, every receiver that runs a route, no matter what defense they play, somebody will be open.”

Once the shoulder is healthy, Moore should be back on the practice field with the first team. Working with both Casey Thompson and Hudson Card every day, he should be a major factor in helping Texas decide the starting spot. However, he credits the quarterbacks for early camp success.

“Both of them sling the rock,” Moore said. “They make us look good. It’s not that we make them look good. If you come to practice, you’ll see for yourself. They’re putting it right where it needs to be, and it’s a strong battle right now.”

With Texas’ scrimmage scheduled for Saturday, Moore’s status will be one of the things to keep an eye out for.