The excitement is building in Austin as the Texas Longhorns gear up for their long-awaited return to the College Football Playoff (CFP). After a dominant regular season, including a crucial win over rival Oklahoma and an impressive performance in the Big 12 Championship Game, the Longhorns have positioned themselves among the elite programs in college football. However, as with any championship run, the road to the playoff is never without its challenges—and one of the most pressing issues facing Texas right now is the health of its key players.
Injuries are an unavoidable part of the game, and Texas has been no stranger to this unfortunate reality in 2023. As the team prepares for its first playoff appearance in over a decade, head coach Steve Sarkisian and his coaching staff have received some major injury updates that will have a profound impact on the team’s chances in the upcoming College Football Playoff.
This blog post will break down the latest injury updates for Texas, highlighting the players whose statuses are most crucial to their playoff hopes, and analyze how the team can manage these injuries as they seek a national title.
### **Key Injuries to Watch Ahead of the Playoff**
The injury report for Texas is a mixed bag. While some players have already been cleared to return to action, others remain on the mend, and their status could significantly impact the Longhorns’ performance in the postseason.
#### **1. Quinn Ewers (Quarterback)**
Perhaps the most significant injury update for Texas revolves around starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. The sophomore sensation has been one of the driving forces behind Texas’ resurgence this season, leading the team with poise and playmaking ability that belies his age. However, Ewers has had to deal with nagging injuries throughout the year, including a shoulder issue that sidelined him for a stretch during the regular season.
The latest update on Ewers is promising. After a period of rest and rehab, Ewers is reportedly “close to 100%” according to sources within the program. Texas fans were holding their breath after an awkward hit in the Big 12 Championship Game, but the quarterback appears to be healthy and ready for the playoff. His arm strength and ability to make deep throws will be crucial as the Longhorns face stiff competition from some of the best defenses in the nation.
Ewers’ health will be one of the most important factors in Texas’ playoff run. If he is fully recovered, he has the potential to elevate the offense and make Texas a serious threat to win it all. However, if he is limited or unable to regain his full form, the Longhorns may struggle to keep up with the high-powered offenses of other playoff teams.
#### **2. Xavier Worthy (Wide Receiver)**
Xavier Worthy has been one of the most electrifying wide receivers in college football this season. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays has made him a go-to target for Ewers. However, Worthy has been dealing with an ankle injury that has caused some concern heading into the postseason. The injury had kept him out of practice for a week, and there were questions about whether he would be ready to contribute at full strength for the CFP.
Fortunately, the latest update on Worthy is optimistic. Sources close to the program have indicated that he will be ready for the playoff and that his injury will not keep him sidelined for long. If Worthy can return to form, his ability to make big plays down the field will be invaluable for Texas’ offense. He gives the Longhorns a legitimate deep threat, and having him at full health will open up opportunities for other receivers and the running game.
With Worthy healthy, Texas’ passing attack becomes even more dynamic. Opponents will have to pick their poison—either focus on containing the explosive wideout or allow Ewers to spread the ball around to a talented group of playmakers.
#### **3. Bijan Robinson (Running Back)**
Bijan Robinson is the heart and soul of Texas’ offense. The Doak Walker Award finalist has been one of the best running backs in the country this season, consistently putting up big numbers while leading the Longhorns in both rushing and receiving yards. Robinson’s ability to make defenders miss, break tackles, and take over games has made him the focal point of Texas’ offensive scheme.
Luckily for the Longhorns, Robinson has been relatively healthy throughout the season, and there are no major injury concerns heading into the playoff. Texas has been cautious with Robinson’s workload at times this season, ensuring that he stays fresh for the stretch run. He has dealt with minor bumps and bruises, but nothing that should prevent him from being fully available when Texas takes the field in the CFP.
Robinson’s presence is a game-changer for Texas. He is a three-down back capable of impacting both the running and passing games, and his physicality in short-yardage situations will be vital when Texas faces playoff defenses that are tough against the run. Robinson’s health is one of the biggest factors in Texas’ playoff hopes—if he is able to run wild, it will open up the entire offense.
#### **4. Kelvin Banks (Offensive Line)**
The Texas offensive line has been one of the team’s strengths in 2023, and much of that can be attributed to the play of true freshman Kelvin Banks. The five-star recruit has been a rock at left tackle, providing stability and protection for Ewers while helping pave the way for Robinson’s success. However, Banks suffered a knee injury in the regular season finale against Kansas State, raising concerns about his availability for the playoff.
Fortunately, the injury is not as severe as initially feared. The latest reports indicate that Banks has been rehabbing diligently and is expected to be ready for the CFP. If he is fully healthy, his ability to anchor the left side of the offensive line will be crucial against elite defensive fronts in the playoff. Texas’ offense will rely heavily on Banks’ protection to allow Ewers time to throw and Robinson space to run.
Without Banks, Texas would face a significant challenge in terms of pass protection and run blocking, especially against high-caliber defenses. His return is a major boost for the Longhorns, and it will be interesting to see how his performance impacts Texas’ offensive flow.
#### **5. Jalen Catalon (Safety)**
On the defensive side of the ball, Texas has been playing at an elite level all season, and much of that success is due to the play of safety Jalen Catalon. The former Arkansas transfer has brought stability to the Longhorns’ secondary, providing strong coverage and excellent run support. Catalon has dealt with some minor injuries throughout the year, but his most significant issue came when he was sidelined for a brief period due to a shoulder issue.
The latest update on Catalon is positive—he has been cleared to return and is expected to be fully healthy for the playoff. His ability to read the quarterback, make plays on the ball, and come up in run support will be key as Texas faces some of the best offenses in the country. Catalon’s leadership in the secondary will also be crucial in maintaining communication and ensuring the defense remains disciplined in high-pressure situations.
### **Texas’ Path to the National Championship**
With these injury updates, Texas has to feel confident heading into the College Football Playoff. Ewers is healthy, Worthy is expected to return to full form, and Robinson remains one of the most dangerous playmakers in college football. With an offensive line anchored by Banks and a defense featuring playmakers like Catalon, the Longhorns have the pieces in place to make a deep playoff run.
However, the road to a national championship will not be easy. Texas will likely face some of the best teams in the country, each with their own set of challenges. The Longhorns will need all hands on deck and for these key players to stay healthy and perform at a high level.
If Texas can avoid further injury setbacks and get contributions from all the right players, this could be the year they capture their first national championship since 2005. It’s going to be a thrilling playoff run, and Longhorns fans are hoping that their team’s health and talent will carry them to the top.