When the Texas Longhorns take the field against the Baylor Bears in the season finale on Saturday in Waco, they will do so devoid of a handful of starting players.
Linebacker Peter Jinkens, running back D’Onta Foreman, offensive lineman Patrick Vahe and backup running back Kirk Johnson will not play against Baylor, as announced by Texas head coach Charlie Strong on Monday.
Chris Warren made his first career start at Texas against Texas Tech last weekend, rushing for 276 yards and breaking his way into the Texas record books. Warren will likely get the starting nod against the Bears on Saturday due to senior running back Johnathan Gray’s improving injury status.
“Yeah, Warren would be the guy. But J-Gray is still day-to-day, so Chris Warren is going to be back there,” said head coach Charlie Strong.
Johnathan Gray is listed as day-to-day but will most likely see playing time.
“[He will] probably be back. [There is a] good chance he will be back” said Strong on Johnathan Gray.
On the questionable list for Saturday’s game are defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway, linebacker Malik Jefferson, safety Dylan Haines and quarterback Jerrod Heard.
Heard, who suffered a concussion in the loss to Texas Tech, was cleared to practice but is listed as day-to-day. Heard was replaced by Tyrone Swoopes, who finished the game with 52 yards passing and 98 yards rushing. Heard’s injury is being treated appropriately and with caution, says Charlie Strong.
“The thing about Jerrod, he’s such a competitor, and I know he’s got a concussion there, and I don’t know how severe it is, but it was a concussion, and that’s why we are going to make sure that the doctors make the right decision in how we go about it. [We] may not need him if Swoopes plays well; who knows if we’re going to need him or not. But it would be one of those where we really have to see how the whole situation goes and make sure that he is on point.”
Tyrone Swoopes lost the starting quarterback job to Jerrod Heard just one game into the season after a blowout loss to Notre Dame. He will have a chance on Saturday to redeem himself and close the Longhorns’ season with a big win over a ranked Baylor team.
