Texas still dealing with widespread injury issues

With three games left in the season, the Texas Longhorns continue to deal with injuries to key players, which head coach Tom Herman updated during his Monday media availability.

The newest injury sustained against the TCU Horned Frogs was a high ankle sprain suffered by sophomore B-backer Jeffrey McCulloch. Herman said that he’s expected to miss several weeks, so he probably won’t play again during the regular season.

After missing the TCU game with an ankle sprain, junior nickel back PJ Locke III is still recovering and is doubtful to play against Kansas this weekend. Fortunately for Texas, senior Antwuan Davis played well against the Horned Frogs and will face a less significant challenge this week.

Two players are still in concussion protocol and were non-contact in practice on Sunday — sophomore center Zach Shackelford and freshman running back Toneil Carter. However, Herman expects both to receive clearance to fully participate in practice on Tuesday.

Likewise, freshman quarterback Sam Ehlinger, who was not available in Fort Worth due to an inner ear issue, is also expected to be cleared for contact in practice after a Monday evaluation.

Then there’s junior left tackle Connor Williams, who hasn’t played since the USC game because of a knee injury. Herman is hopeful that Williams can return from his MCL sprain, but said that he’s more “hopeful” than “probable” this week — a more likely return date is against West Virginia.

On the Big 12 teleconference, Herman said that sophomore left tackle Denzel Okafor was banged up in practice last week, which is why senior Tristan Nickelson played most of the game against TCU.