Sarkisian Gives Injury Update on CJ Baxter

 During Texas’s game with UTEP on Saturday, redshirt-sophomore running back CJ Baxter got injured on his first play of the game as he took a handoff for six yards before getting tackled, and then limped off the field.

It left fans highly concerned for the young running back, as this was supposed to be his breakout season after he was out last year due to a season-ending injury sustained in fall camp before the 2024 season.

He made an instant impact as a freshman in 2023, recording 659 yards and five touchdowns after appearing in all 13 games. However, this could still be his year to bounce back and show who he is.

“Cedric got hurt first play of the game, hamstring injury,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said today. “We don’t think it’s overly significant, but he’ll be out this week just from a precautionary standpoint to hopefully get him ready for SEC play.”

This is great news for Texas, as the Longhorns have also been without starting running back Tre Wisner. Wisner is expected to be back for SEC play as well, but if Baxter was still expected to be out, that wouldn’t be great.

The Longhorns shouldn’t necessarily need either of them for their game against UTEP on Saturday, although having one or both of them available would definitely help, considering how poor the pass game has been so far.

Sarkisian and the Longhorns will also be without OT Cole Hutson and defensive backs Xavier Filsaime and Kobe Black for their next game against Sam Houston State on Saturday, but it hopefully won’t make a huge impact, considering the opponent.

Fans can tune into the game on Saturday on ESPN+ or SEC Network+ at 7 p.m.