CJ Baxter injury: Why is the Texas star not playing today against CSU?

CJ Baxter is unavailable for Texas in the 2024 season opener against Colorado State. The running back suffered an injury in the fall camp that will keep him out of action for the entire season. The Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed the injury in a press conference on August 8.

“Obviously we got some unfortunate news coming out of practice the other day with Cedric Baxter being lost for the season. I hate it for the kid,” coach Steve Sarkisian said.

“The same way I talked about Liona Lefau the other day, if you polled our team who the top three teammates on our team, Cedric Baxter would be in that top one, two or three as well.”

CJ Baxter is said to have injured the lateral and posterior collateral ligaments (LCL and PCL) in his right knee according to the MRI scan conducted by the Texas medical staff. He has already undergone a successful surgery and he is currently going through rehabilitation.

---

CJ Baxter’s injury is a big blow for Texas

CJ Baxter was anticipated to be one of Texas’ running back options for the 2024 college football season before the unfortunate incident in the fall. He made history last season as the first true freshman since Ricky Williams in 1995 to start a season opener for the Longhorns.

Baxter rushed for 659 yards and five touchdowns in 138 carries in his true freshman season in 2023, presenting him as a top running back option for this season. His absence comes as a big blow for the Longhorns as they navigate their first season in the Southeastern Conference.

“We would love to have him, but that’s the nature of football,” Sarkisian said (per On3). “You have to be able to withstand and deal with injuries, whenever they present themselves

“Whether they’re in training camp or whether they’re late in the season, potential playoff injuries and such. That’s why you have to develop your entire roster, and I think our staff’s doing a really good job of that right now.”

Replacing CJ Baxter won’t be easy, but there are some strong options available, starting with junior Jaydon Blue. Last season, Blue rushed for 398 yards and three touchdowns, while also contributing as a receiver with 14 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown.

Tre Wisner and freshman Jerrick Gibson are the other scholarship running backs available for Texas in 2024. Four-star recruit Christian Clark also suffered a season-ending injury in the fall camp, creating some concerns for the Longhorns.