3 key injured Texas players heading into Colorado State

CJ Baxter Jr., RB

The most impactful injury the Longhorns experienced during fall practice was the season-ending knee injury that sophomore running back CJ Baxter Jr. is working through.

Per Orangebloods' Anwar Richardson, Baxter "underwent successful surgery" in Dallas a few days ago. Baxter reportedy didn't tear his PCL "as Texas had originally feared" and he is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 season.

Baxter and junior Jaydon Blue competed for the first-team practice reps at running back entering preseason camp. Blue will now take the role of the starting running back for the Longhorns entering the SEC this fall.

Blue and Baxter split the backfield carries for the Longhorns down the stretch last season after starting running back Jonathon Brooks suffered a season-ending knee injury against TCU in November.

Sarkisian isn't looking to change up the game plan for his ground game on offense entering the fall, despite the injuries, he said in his press conference on Aug. 26 ahead of Week 1 vs. Colorado State this Saturday.

"We’re going to run it between the tackles. They learn how to run the day they show up here. Three years ago I couldn’t have said that about Jaydon Blue but he’s been an understudy to Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson, Jonathon Brooks, and he’s more than capable. Tre Wisner, Jerrick Gibson, all these guys. When we go to team run, we’re a physical football team and we believe in running the ball and we believe in stopping the run."

- Steve Sarkisian

Last season, Baxter rushed for 659 yards 4.8 yards per carry, and five rushing touchdowns during his true freshman campaign. He also reeled in 24 catches for 156 receiving yards.

With Baxter and Clark out for the season, Texas will rely on Blue, Gardner, sophomore Tre Wisner, and true freshman Jerrick Gibson to shoulder the backfield carries load on offense this fall.