While it was never truly expected for Texas Longhorns' star edge rusher Colin Simmons to return for their Week 9 game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the latest availability report out of the 40 Acres made it feel that much more unlikely.
Just one day after being evaluated as "questionable," Simmons' status for the SEC matchup was downgraded to "doubtful," shallowing the depth for the Horns' edge-rushing package.
Simmons and fellow edge Richard Wesley (who was listed as "out" on Thursday night) were sidelined with ankle sprains as the Horns toppled the then-No. 7 Ole Miss Rebels in Week 8, and are now both expected to miss a second straight game.
The good news is that the Texas defense, led by defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, looked incredible last week, even without Wesley or Simmons in the rotation. And this week, the Horns are facing a lesser offense in Mississippi State compared to the Rebels.
Not to mention that the Bulldogs will be without starting quarterback "Super" Kamario Taylor, so Texas's pass-rushing efforts will be aimed at backup QB Parker Puckett, who has appeared in just four games in his collegiate career and has thrown fewer touchdown passes than he has interceptions.
Hollywood Smothers and Cam Coleman no longer on Horns' injury list
While Simmons' downgraded status wasn't a good sign for the game or even the subsequent weeks of Texas's season, the Horns did take two starters off the report entirely, signaling they would be available against MSU: running back Hollywood Smothers and wide receiver Cam Coleman.
Smothers has missed two games already this season (Texas's wins over the Tennessee Volunteers and the Rebels), but is expected to return to action against the Bulldogs this weekend.
Coleman, who has been hit or miss among Texas fans while dropping what looked like a couple of sure touchdown passes, exited last week's game against Ole Miss after landing hard on his shoulder.
After spending exactly one day on the injury list, he was not on the Horns' second availability report for Week 9.
Alongside Coleman in the receiving corps could be Kaliq Lockett, who has yet to make his first real impact for the Longhorns and has spent a lot of time on the injury report this season. However, on Thursday night, he was listed as "probable," providing hope that he would be yet another weapon for quarterback Arch Manning.
The most consistent presence on the injury report over the last two days has unfortunately been star left tackle Trevor Goosby, who suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee during the game against Ole Miss.
Just days after suffering the injury, it was reported that he had undergone a successful reparative surgery, also cementing the fact that he would miss the remainder of the season with Texas.
Mississippi State's second availability report vs. Texas Longhorns
While the Horns' updated injury list was a mixed bag for the Texas roster, the Bulldogs' availability report remained the exact same over the 24-hour stretch.
- OUT: Kamario Taylor (QB), Jalen Smith (LB), Ayden Williams (WR), Trevion Williams (DL), Diesel Moye (DL)
- QUESTIONABLE: Isaac Smith (S), DJ Chester (OL)
Taylor's absence is undeniably the most notable, but the Bulldogs' offense will also be without veteran wideout Ayden Williams due to a still undisclosed injury and likely without offensive lineman DJ Chester.
Mississippi State's defense will be without linebacker Jalen Smith and defensive linemen Trevion Williams and Diesel Moye, as well as likely being without safety Isaac Smith.
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