All-SEC Texas tackle's status for start of season in doubt after practice injury

Per Pro Football Focus data, Goosby allowed 15 total pressures and three sacks on 422 pressure opportunities last season, helping to keep Manning upright. The redshirt junior quarterback was pressured 157 times on 421 dropbacks a season ago, but Goosby only bore some responsibility on 12.1 percent of those snaps, the fourth-lowest rate for left tackles whose quarterbacks were pressured at least 100 times.

Losing him for any amount of time would be bad for the Longhorns, but the injury occurring in mid-August increases the chances he could be available for the start of SEC play on Sept. 26 at Associated Press preseason No. 20 Tennessee Volunteers.

It does threaten to keep No. 5 Texas from being 100 percent for a pivotal out-of-conference showdown with No. 1 Ohio State in Week 2, however, with sophomore Jordan Coleman — one of three triplets on the team — in line as Goosby's backup after playing 11 snaps as a freshman.

The Longhorns have high expectations entering the 2026 season, Manning's second as starting quarterback. The former five-star recruit finished strong last year, averaging 285.7 passing yards with 20 total touchdowns and two interceptions over his final six games. Texas made some significant adds in the transfer portal, including wideout Cam Coleman and running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, to further improve its odds of competing for a CFP title in January.

Those plans could fall apart the longer Goosby sits. As The Athletic NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler noted, the injury "could have been a lot worse" — possibly season-ending. But Goosby's status as one of 2027's best prospects may lead him to be extra cautious about rushing a return.

Until he gets back on the field, Manning's blindside protection will be compromised. Texas avoided the worst-case scenario with Goosby, but his absence can still push the Longhorns off track.