Texas wide receiver Jordan Whittington hasn’t had the best of luck with injuries since he’s arrived in Austin.
As a true freshman, Whittington was sidelined the majority of the season due to a sports hernia issue that required two surgeries. Many were excited to witness the former five-star prospect play slot receiver this year, but unfortunately he hasn’t been able to stay on the field.
During Texas’ season opener against UTEP, Whittington left the game with a knee injury on the final possession of the second quarter. It eventually required knee surgery that sidelined him for the Texas Tech and TCU games.
Whittington fortunately returned for the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma on Oct. 10 and showed what kind of dangerous weapon he can be when healthy. He led the team with 10 receptions and accounted for 65 yards.
Unfortunately, Whittington is again sidelined due to a hip flexor injury. When Texas head coach Tom Herman spoke with the media on Monday, he noted that the redshirt freshman would be out for several weeks.
“This is more related to a hit he took either in the side or the back that strained some of the hip flexor muscles that, as has been described to me, insert into the vertebrae somewhere near the lower back area,” Herman said.
Although it’s a non-surgical treatment, he’ll have to rest for a few weeks before returning to the field. Eventually, availability trumps ability every day of the week. It doesn’t matter how talented you are if you’re never available to play.
Injuries are inevitable, but hopefully Whittington can turn the corner and have a successful collegiate career once he recovers.