Two hours before the Texas Longhorns took the field in Week 3 to face the UTSA Roadrunners, reports came out of the 40 Acres that third-year defensive back Kobe Black would miss the game with a minor injury.
"Kobe Black will miss tonight’s game against UTSA, per sources," 247Sports's Eric Henry wrote on X, later adding, "Kobe Black’s injury is considered minor and he’s expected back for Texas’ SEC opener at Tennessee."
Texas DB Kobe Black will miss tonight’s game against UTSA, per sources.
— Eric C. Henry (@EricCHenry_) September 19, 2026
Reports did not share what Black's specific injury was, but news of his return for Texas's first conference game of the year against the Tennessee Volunteers in Week 4 made it feel like the best news possible
Longhorns to be without Kobe Black in defensive backs rotation vs. Roadrunners
The injury depleted a defensive backs room that was already relatively thin compared to the depth that the Horns boast at other positions, but star DB Jelani McDonald has already played a majority of the snaps at safety so far this season.
McDonald leads the entire Texas defense in tackles this season, with 15 total, followed by linebacker Rasheem Biles with 13. However, Black has earned four tackles and one pass deflection so far this year, including three total tackles in the Longhorns' comeback win against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 2.
Texas RB Michael Terry III not dressing vs. UTSA
Black wasn't the only player missing in action on Saturday, with second-year running back Michael Terry III not dressing for the matchup.
"Per source, Texas RB Michael Terry will not dress for tonight’s game vs UTSA," Henry wrote on X.
So far this season, Terry had taken just three carries and only earned eight yards. He played behind star running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown.
The good news is that true freshman running back Derrek Cooper was set to return against the Roadrunners after missing the Ohio State game with a sprained ankle that he suffered in Texas's Week 1 matchup against the Texas State Bobcats.
However, the offense would be without tight end Nick Townsend, who injured his knee against the Buckeyes in Week 2. Through the first two games, Townsend saw minimal playing time, earning nine yards against Texas State on his only reception of the season.
On Thursday, Sarkisian reported that Townsend wouldn't "be able to go Saturday."
Emaree Winston and Spencer Shannon have carried most of the load for the tight end room, combining for seven receptions for 79 yards.
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