Texas LB Malik Jefferson, RG Jake McMillon, and C Zach Shackelford all out vs. Kansas

The Texas Longhorns are in Lawrence to face off against the 1-9 Kansas Jayhawks, but will have gain bowl eligibility without three key starters, according to the school.

Sophomore linebacker Malik Jefferson was not cleared to play after going through concussion protocol last week following a head injury sustained in the first quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers. And while the opponent perhaps dictated the decision to keep the other two players out, Jefferson’s injury is such that there are no guarantees a similar decision was made with the team’s second-leading tackler — there’s no battling through a concussion.

A starter at right guard and center this season after moving from defensive tackle, sophomore Jake McMillon is out once again with the knee injury he sustained against the Texas Tech Red Raiders two weeks ago.

At center, the Longhorns may start sophomore Terrell Cuney at center, who has received limited playing time in his career. Shackelford, a freshman, has battled ankle injuries all season and got banged up against last weekend.

Former starter Patrick Vahe will likely replace McMillon, while head coach Charlie Strong could opt for senior Tim Cole or sophomore Edwin Freeman to replace Jefferson.