Return of key offensive weapon could provide Arch Manning with needed boost

Struggling Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning may soon be getting needed help.

Longhorns running back CJ Baxter has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in a Week 3 win over UTEP. He's on track to play against Mississippi State on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. ET (SEC Network) after being upgraded to probable on the injury report.

What did Texas HC Steve Sarkisian say about his plans for CJ Baxter?

On Thursday, Sarkisian said Baxter's progress throughout the week gave the coach more confidence in his ability to play Saturday. Sarkisian added he's not planning on giving the RB his usual workload, but he expects him to be a significant contributor. 

"I don't envision C4 walking out of there with 20-something carries," Sarkisian said, via Zach Dimmitt of Texas Longhorns on SI. "But if he can play in this game and be effective and be an integral part in critical situations, I think that would be really beneficial for our team."

How CJ Baxter's expected return benefits Arch Manning

A first-year starting QB's best friend can be a reliable ground game, but Texas has struggled to establish one. The Longhorns rank 75th in the FBS in rushing yards (149.4). 

Starting RB Quintrevion Wisner has rushed for 222 yards on 58 carries (3.8 yards per carry) in four games. Sarkisian has also tried to use Manning's legs to jump-start the floundering rushing attack, but that hasn't worked. The QB has 193 yards on 58 carries (3.3 YPC) in seven starts. 

The inability to run the ball consistently is preventing Sarkisian from using more play-action passes, causing some of Manning's accuracy issues. Per Pro Football Focus, the 21-year-old QB has completed 50-of-79 play-action throws (63.3 percent) and 64-of-111 non-play-action throws (57.7 percent). 

When healthy, Baxter has been the Longhorns' most productive runner. He had 110 yards on 24 carries (4.6 YPC) before suffering his injury.

Assuming he plays in Saturday's game, figure on Sarkisian using Baxter as a third-down back behind Wisner. That could still make a major difference for the Longhorns (5-2, 2-1 in SEC), who are aiming to keep their slim conference title hopes alive.