Texas football injury update for Week 1: Longhorns lose two key players ahead of season opener against CSU

Modified Aug 31, 2024 19:03 GMT

The No. 4 ranked Texas Longhorns will open their 2024 college football season by hosting the Colorado State Rams on Saturday. However, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has some injury concerns heading into the Week 1 game.

Texas football injury update for Week 1

As per reports, Texas will be without two key running backs, CJ Baxter Jr. and Christian Clark, along with quarterback Trey Owens.

Sophomore Baxter Jr. has been ruled out for the 2024 season with a knee injury. He suffered a PCL tear early in fall camp. In his freshman year, Baxter Jr. rushed for 659 yards and five touchdowns, while also making 24 catches for 156 receiving yards.

In Baxter's absence, junior running back Jaydon Blue is set to start for the Longhorns entering the 2024 season. Last season, Blue recorded 398 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 65 carries. He also made 14 catches for 135 receiving yards and caught one touchdown.

Meanwhile, Clark is another other Longhorns' running back who is out for the entire season. The freshman tore his Achilles on a non-contact play in team drills during preseason camp.

Texas' third-choice quarterback Trey Owens will miss the season opener against the Rams on Saturday. Owens is reportedly dealing with a lower-body injury and there is no timeline on when he will return.

Who is Texas' starting QB vs. Colorado State?

Senior quarterback Quinn Ewers will start for Texas against Colorado State on Saturday. Ewers is in his third season with the Longhorns and his fourth season overall. Last year, the signal-caller threw for 3,479 yards and 22 touchdowns on 272 passes.