Texas Longhorns

Chris Warren Injury Opens Door for Others to Step Up for Texas Football

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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In addition to losing their Big 12 opener to Oklahoma State, Texas football saw both Chris Warren III and D’Onta Foreman go down with injuries. Warren’s knee injury seems to be more pressing and could keep him out of the lineup. The Texas running back’s injury provides chances for others to step up in his absence.

Texas Longhorns running back Chris Warren left Texas’ game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday with a knee injury. He finished with 106 rushing yards on 10 carries in the first half. The sophomore running back has had injury issues in the past, including wearing a walking boot last season.

The severity of the injury suffered on Saturday is not yet known and a timetable for his return has not been determined. In his absence, D’Onta Foreman carried a significant load to start the second half, but he was also forced out the game with an injury to his abdomen.

If Warren does miss time, it will provide significant playing time for Kyle Porter and Tristian Houston. Porter saw a heavier workload on Saturday after Foreman’s injury, carrying the ball seven times for 29 yards. Both freshman backs have great speed but lack the power of Warren. Texas’ interior running game, a staple for the offense so far, would struggle.

There is no doubt that Warren’s toughness and hard-nosed physical play will be missed. With a huge game this week against Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, his presence would be a serious boost to the Texas offense. If he is forced to miss this game, the Longhorns would have to rally the backfield with some inexperienced options.

If Warren is forced to miss extended time, though, that would be disastrous. Texas needs the Bash Brothers back and healthy for any sustainable success in 2016.

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