Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Texas Receives ‘Unclear’ Injury Update on Key Starter

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 6:25 AM ET

The Texas Longhorns dropped one spot to No. 22 in the Associated Press top 25 poll after a 16-13 win over Kentucky in Week 8.

While Texas survived, it was a disappointing effort for Steve Sarkisian's team. Arch Manning went just 12-of-27 for 132 yards with no scores, and the only touchdown for Texas came via a Quintrevion Wisner rush.

Texas still found a way to win, and the Week 9 game against Mississippi State is a chance for the team to get back on track.

The Texas defense did play well in Week 8, giving up just a field goal in the first three quarters before Kentucky scored 10 points in the final 13 minutes.

However, the defense will be without a key piece for some time.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16).Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Safety Michael Taaffe underwent thumb surgery and will be out for some time, according to Pete Nakos of On3.

"Texas safety Michael Taaffe underwent thumb surgery on Monday, sources tell @On3sports. Timetable is unclear, but it's not expected to be season ending. Longhorns visit Mississippi State this week," Nakos wrote.

Texas safety Michael Taaffe underwent thumb surgery on Monday, sources tell @On3sports.

Timetable is unclear, but it's not expected to be season ending. Longhorns visit Mississippi State this week.https://t.co/kCGtnSyWhS pic.twitter.com/8IMVvCGnbk
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) October 21, 2025

Taaffe is a former walk-on who is in his senior year at Texas. In 2025, he has 51 tackles and one tackle for a loss with an interception.

He suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of the win against Kentucky, and the expectation is that he will miss the Mississippi State game and the Week 10 game against Vanderbilt.

Texas has a bye in Week 11 before facing Georgia on the road, so getting Taaffe back for that game could be a big boost to the defense.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: