Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter has been ruled out of the upcoming clash against Sam Houston after suffering a hamstring injury during practice earlier this week. The sophomore, who has been a key figure in the Longhorns’ offense, was expected to play a major role in Saturday’s matchup but will now be sidelined as he undergoes treatment and evaluation. His absence deals a significant blow to Texas’ backfield depth, especially as the team looks to maintain its early-season momentum.
According to team insiders, the injury is not considered season-ending, but the medical staff is opting for caution given the risk of aggravation. Baxter will miss at least one to two weeks, with his recovery timeline hinging on how well he responds to therapy and conditioning work. Texas coaches emphasized that rushing him back too soon could make the injury worse, so the plan is to ease him into full-speed activities only when he’s fully comfortable.
If all goes well, Baxter could return in time for the Longhorns’ Big 12 opener, though his status will be monitored closely day by day. In the meantime, fellow backs will have to shoulder the load, with head coach Steve Sarkisian expressing confidence in the depth of his running back rotation. Still, fans and teammates alike will be eager to see Baxter recover quickly, as his speed and playmaking ability are vital for Texas’ offensive balance heading into tougher matchups later in the season.
Leave a Reply