Colin Simmons was seen on the sidelines during the second half of Texas's Week 3 game against the UTSA Roadrunners. After the game, head coach Steve Sarkisian shared that he didn't believe it was too serious and that may be all we get until the Longhorns release their first SEC availability of the season.
During his game preview press conference on Monday, Sarkisian immediately cut off questions about injuries, including one on Simmons' status, something that was obviously at the top of mind with the veteran edge rusher being a defensive leader.
"There's called an injury report in the SEC, so that's enough of the injury questions," Sarkisian said, hardly allowing the reporter to even finish his question on Simmons.
Without any update on players' current statuses, all that you have to go on is their status as of the game on Saturday or immediately after.
Rumors began circulating that Simmons was simply suffering from turf toe and wearing the walking boot that he was seen in on Saturday as a precaution. However, those rumors won't be confirmed or shut down until Wednesday, at the earliest, when the first availability report is due.
Colin Simmons, Nick Townsend injury status unknown at beginning of Week 4
Sarkisian obviously has knowledge as to where Simmons, tight end Nick Townsend, and any other previously injured players stand. However, the rest of the world will have to wait until Wednesday, which could put quite a few people on edge with SEC play just a handful of days away.
Townsend missed Saturday's game against the Roadrunners with a knee injury that he suffered during warmups in Week 2.
In the meantime, fellow tight ends Spencer Shannon and Emaree Winston have stepped up to the plate to fill in for his absence. Between the Ohio State and UTSA games, the two backup tight ends combined for five receptions and 52 receiving yards.
With Simmons' status currently unknown, we may need to prepare for the backup edge rushers to step up to the plate as Texas prepares to take on the Tennessee Volunteers in Week 4.
Redshirt edge Zina Umeozulu has already done that, amassing nine total tackles through the first three games, as has junior edge Colton Vasek, who has earned five total tackles so far. Of course, transfer addition and star linebacker Rasheem Biles has repeatedly answered the call, earning 17 total tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble so far.
Yes, it would obviously hurt to be without Simmons at the start of SEC play, but based on rumors, he could easily have already returned to practice. Sarkisian just didn't share that with the public on Monday.
Texas's first SEC availability report will be posted at 7:10 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Sept. 23, and will be updated by the program as the game draws closer.
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