Texas QB commit Sam Ehlinger likely out for season with thumb injury

A showcase game for Austin-area high school powerhouses Lake Travis and Westlake took a negative turn on Friday evening when Texas Longhorns quarterback commit Sam Ehlinger suffered a thumb injury in the first quarter.

After the game, Ehlinger was hopeful that he could return, but he’s now ruled out for the regular season after a weekend X-ray. It’s possible that the nation’s No. 4 dual-threat quarterback in the 247Sports Composite rankings could return in the playoffs.

However, that isn’t likely since the back-up quarterback is also injured, leaving only third-strong sophomore Taylor Anderson, who played most of the game in Westlake’s 49-7 loss.

After leading Westlake to the 6A Division 1 state championship last year in compiling more than 4,000 total yards and 70 total touchdowns, Ehlinger has suffered through an injury-riddled senior campaign.

In the season-opening win against Katy, the 6-1.5, 215-pounder suffered meniscus injuries to both of his knees that required surgery and kept him out until a blowout victory over Hays on September 30.