Ad Disclosure
Texas reportedly receives devastating injury news regarding RB CJ Baxter
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Texas is eyeing national title aspirations after making it to the College Football Playoff last season and embarking on an SEC journey this fall. Unfortunately, the Longhorns appear to have some devastating news for the offense before the season even arrives.
According to reports, star running back CJ Baxter sustained an injury during practice on Tuesday and underwent an MRI to determine the significance of the blow. Anwar Richardson with OrangeBloods.com is now reporting Baxter injured his LCL and PCL and will require surgery to repair his knee.
The expected timeline for recovery is between 6-9 months, meaning Baxter is likely to miss the entirety of the 2024 season.
I just learned Texas running back CJ Baxter is expected to miss the season after tearing his LCL/PCL during practice on Tuesday. Baxter’s injury will require surgery and the recovery time is between six to nine months. pic.twitter.com/LDlWSbBdfQ
— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) August 7, 2024
Baxter was an impact performer alongside star Jonathon Brooks as a true freshman. His 659 rushing yards are the 12th-most in program history for a freshman while Baxter started 6 games and appeared in 13 games overall.
With Brooks off to the NFL, all expectations were that Baxter would receive the majority of snaps and carries in the backfield. Along with 659 rushing yards, 4.8 yards per carry and 5 touchdowns, Baxter also had 156 yards in the receiving game.
There’s no denying the blow is a significant one for a Texas program with the 2nd-best SEC Championship odds behind preseason favorite Georgia. FanDuel has the Longhorns at +350 to win the SEC entering the season, and fans can find the best and latest odds with SDS’s apps to bet on sports.
The player next in line in Texas’s backfield is likely Jaydon Blue. While he was 3rd on the depth chart a season ago, Blue rushed for 398 yards while averaging 6.1 yards per carry with 3 touchdowns and 135 receiving yards with another touchdown.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
