No. 1 Texas is getting healthier after their bye week, with senior running back Hollywood Smothers officially off the injury report and ready to roll for Saturday’s colossal matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Cotton Bowl. This news dropped Wednesday evening with the SEC-mandated injury report, and it’s a breath of fresh air for the Longhorns. Smothers had been sidelined against Tennessee with a lower-leg injury, with coach Steve Sarkisian even calling him an “emergency option” for that game. Now, he’s back, baby!
Longhorns Get Key Boosts, But Questions Linger
It’s not just Smothers getting good news; junior nickel back Xavier Filsaime, who hasn’t seen any action this season due to an undisclosed injury, is also off the report. That’s two big names potentially back on the field, confirming Coach Sarkisian’s assertion that the Horns are indeed healthier after the bye. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Sophomore tight end Nick Townsend, who’s been out since suffering a bone bruise in his knee against Ohio State, is still on the report but is now listed as probable. He’s reportedly been practicing, so we could see him out there.
Less promising is the status of sophomore defensive lineman Justus Terry. The Georgia product picked up a toe injury warming up before the Ohio State win and hasn’t played since. He’s listed as doubtful, which is a real blow for that defensive front. And to add to the concern, sophomore wide receiver Kaliq Lockett is a new addition to the injury report, also listed as doubtful. Plus, sophomore offensive lineman Jordan Coleman remains out, having missed the win over Tennessee.
Oklahoma’s Injury Report Is a Different Story
While Texas is patching things up, Oklahoma’s injury report is a whole different beast. It’s a tough look for the Sooners heading into this rivalry game. They have four players listed as completely out, including transfer wide receiver Trell Harris, which is a massive loss for their offensive firepower. Beyond that, three players are listed as doubtful, with left tackle Michael Fasusi, who’s been out since Week 1, being a significant concern for their offensive line. Then there are five players listed as questionable, including guard Eddy Pierre-Louis. Only one player, linebacker Owen Heinecke, is listed as probable for Oklahoma.
This Cotton Bowl clash on Saturday is going to be epic, as always, but these injury reports will play a huge role. Can No. 1 Texas integrate their returning players and cover for their fresh doubts? And how will Oklahoma manage such an extensive list of sidelined and questionable players against the top team in the nation? It’s going to be a battle, and we can’t wait to see how it all shakes out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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