Longhorns’ backfield leader out for ‘fewweeks’
AUSTIN — Texas junior running back Keaontay Ingram sustained a high-ankle sprain in last week’s overtime win over No. 6 Oklahoma State and will not play this Saturday againstWestVirginia atRoyal-Memorial Stadium.
Ingram injured the ankle early in the Longhorns’ 41-34 victory. He recorded two carries for 5 yards and one touchdown before exiting.
“Does not require surgery, but he’s going to be out for a few weeks,” Texas coach Tom Herman said Tuesday.
With Ingram out, true freshman Bijan Robinson and sophomore Roschon Johnsonwill handle all of the backfield work.
Robinson enjoyed his best game against the Cowboys, turning 13 carries into 59 yards, with a long run of 24. He also caught two passes for 8 yards. Johnson finished that game with 49 yards on nine carries.
“You see it at least, having done this close to 25 years and coach (Stan) Drayton almost 30, the game starts slowing down for these young tailbacks. And it is for Bijan,” Herman said. “We’re going to lean on him andRoschon pretty heavily in this game.”
Robinson, Johnson and the offensive line ofNo. 22Texas (4-2, 3-2 Big 12) will have to contend with a
West Virginia team that ranks among the nation’s top 10 in total defense, passing defense and rushing defense. Last week, the Mountaineers (4-2, 3-2) held No. 16
Kansas State to 225 total yards (41 rushing, 184passing) in a 37-10win.
Texas does expect graduate transfer receive Brenden Schooler (thigh) to play againstWVU. He returned to practice Monday and will suit up “barring any setback.”.
Redshirt freshman wideout Jordan Whittington (hip flexor) also returned to practice thisweek and is “on the mend.”