Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has positive injury news ahead of Houston game

Quinn Ewers, No. 3 of the Texas Longhorns, runs the ball behind the blocking of Hayden Conner, No. 76, and Jake Majors, No. 65, in the first half against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium on Sept. 23, 2023, in Waco, Texas. (Tim Warner | Getty Images)Getty Images

AUSTIN — Things are looking up for Texas’ injured players.

The Longhorns have been missing right guard Cole Hutson (knee) and edge rusher Kristopher Ross (elbow) since the Wyoming game on Sept. 16, and cornerback Ryan Watts (ankle) sat out for the Oklahoma game after leaving the Kansas game early on Sept. 30.

Texas then lost its starting center, Jake Majors (ankle) in the first quarter of the Oklahoma game.

In addition, both CJ Baxter and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders have each missed time due to lingering minor injuries. Baxter exited the Rice game early with a foot injury, then the Alabama game with a rib injury before missing the following week against Wyoming. While he’s played every game since, he hasn’t been 100%.

Sanders injured his ankle against Kansas and returned for the Oklahoma game, but his playing time was limited. While Texas coach Steve Sarkisian didn’t provide specifics on each player, he was optimistic with his update, and emphasized that the decisions will have to be in each player’s best interest.

“Everybody’s practiced,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday. “A couple of those guys I think will be game-time decisions, but everybody practiced all week. … They all came to work this week and worked hard and they’ve continued to do the rehab and probably more — pleasantly more pleased.”