The Texas Longhorns’ recent matchup against Arkansas was a thrilling contest that had fans on the edge of their seats, but it came at a cost. In what was an intense battle on the field, Texas saw three key players go down with injuries, raising concerns about their availability for the remainder of the season. In this blog post, we’ll break down the injuries sustained by these key players, how it affects the team, and what the Longhorns will need to do to adjust moving forward.
### 1. **Quinn Ewers (Quarterback)** – Shoulder Injury
The most significant injury from the game was to starting quarterback **Quinn Ewers**. Ewers, who had been performing admirably, especially with his arm strength and decision-making, suffered a shoulder injury during a hit in the second half. While it’s unclear how severe the injury is, the reports suggest that Ewers may have injured his throwing shoulder, which is always a major concern for any quarterback.
If Ewers is sidelined for any period of time, it would be a massive blow to Texas’ offense. Ewers had shown the poise and talent to lead the Longhorns through their most difficult games, and his absence would likely put more pressure on backup quarterbacks to step up.
**Impact on the Team**: If Ewers misses time, Texas will have to rely heavily on either **Maalik Murphy** or **Arch Manning**, both of whom are talented but lack significant game experience at the college level. The offense would need to adapt, possibly shifting to a more run-heavy approach while the backup quarterbacks find their rhythm.
### 2. **Jerrin Thompson (Safety)** – Leg Injury
Another key player who went down in the Arkansas game was **Jerrin Thompson**, the team’s starting safety. Thompson has been a key figure in the secondary, providing leadership and making critical plays on defense. His injury appears to be a leg issue, though early reports don’t seem to suggest anything too serious. However, the loss of Thompson would still hurt Texas’ defense, as his ability to read the offense and make plays in the secondary has been invaluable.
**Impact on the Team**: Thompson’s absence would leave a significant hole in the defensive backfield. Texas would likely need to rely more heavily on their other safeties, such as **Kevin Bailey** or **Blake Gideon**, to step up and fill the void. It might also force the Longhorns to adjust their defensive schemes to protect against the loss of a playmaker in the secondary.
### 3. **Bijan Robinson (Running Back)** – Ankle Injury
Finally, Texas also saw **Bijan Robinson**, their star running back, go down with an ankle injury in the latter stages of the game. Robinson had been one of the most explosive players on the field, and his ability to both run and catch the ball out of the backfield has been a focal point of Texas’ offense. The severity of the injury is still being evaluated, but any extended time without Robinson would present a major challenge for the Longhorns’ offensive attack.
**Impact on the Team**: Robinson is one of the best running backs in the country, and losing him would mean that Texas would need to turn to **Roschon Johnson** or **Keilan Robinson** to carry the load. While both are talented backs in their own right, losing a player of Robinson’s caliber would undoubtedly impact Texas’ ability to control the game on the ground. The offensive line would also be under more pressure to create holes for the remaining running backs.
### What’s Next for Texas?
The injuries to these three key players—Ewers, Thompson, and Robinson—are certainly concerning for the Longhorns, especially given the magnitude of their roles on both sides of the ball. However, Texas has depth at many of these positions, and the coaching staff will likely adjust their game plans to account for these injuries.
In the short term, the focus will likely be on getting these players healthy as quickly as possible. The medical staff and training team will be working hard to provide rehabilitation and recovery options. Additionally, the backup players who step in for these injured stars will need to rise to the occasion, showcasing their skills and executing the game plan effectively.
For Texas to continue their success this season, it will be crucial to manage the injuries, maintain depth at key positions, and find ways to adjust the playcalling to suit the strengths of the players who remain on the field.
**Conclusion**
Injuries are an inevitable part of football, but the Longhorns are no strangers to overcoming adversity. While losing three key players from a tough game against Arkansas is a significant setback, it’s also an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth. Whether it’s the backup quarterbacks, the defensive backs, or the running backs, Texas will need to rely on their depth and resilience to stay competitive in the Big 12 and beyond.