Texas expects injured tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders to play next week
Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders left Saturday’s game early against the Kansas Jayhawks. He reportedly suffered an ankle injury in the game.
The news was significant given what Sanders brings the Texas offense and how well he has performed in big games away from Austin. Heading into the contest Sanders was the FBS leader among tight ends in receiving yards. Two games of 110 yards or more put him over the top.
The Longhorns might be able to function without Sanders, but probably wouldn’t like to risk it next week. The team’s toughest remaining test takes place in Dallas where Texas is set to face the Oklahoma Sooners in the Red River Rivalry.
Texas might not have to worry about life without Sanders. Head coach Steve Sarkisian shared that he is “optimistic” the tight end could play against the Sooners. According to Sarkisian, there was no structural damage to the big time tight end’s ankle.
Texas will hope to have the first-round talent ready to play against Oklahoma in next week’s 11 a.m. CT kickoff on ABC.
Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian said Ja'Tavion Sanders was rolled up and they are optimistic he will be back against Oklahoma. Said there is nothing structurally wrong with Sanders.
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) September 30, 2023
