Three Texas players suspended for Texas Bowl against Missouri

When the Texas Longhorns play the Missouri Tigers in the Texas Bowl next Wednesday, the ‘Horns will be without three players who were suspended for violating team rules — freshman running back Toneil Carter, sophomore wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, and junior tight end Garrett Gray.

Humphrey is the most significant loss, as he’s the team’s second-leading receiver with 37 catches for 431 yards and a touchdown reception this season, while also adding a score on the ground. One of the big-play threats in the passing game, Humphrey is a match-up nightmare in the slot and was a receiver the ‘Horns were likely going to be to get going against the Tigers.

Like Humphrey, Carter is also a big-play threat from the running back position, leading the team in average yards per carry among players with more than six attempts. However, Carter lost playing time late in the year due to issues with ball security and only carried the ball three times against Texas Tech.

Gray started the season as the starting tight end following the injury to Andrew Beck, but hasn’t played since suffering a knee injury against San Jose State in the second game of the season.

The suspensions further deplete depth for a team that will not have running back/H-back Chris Warren, left tackle Connor Williams, cornerback Holton Hill, and safety DeShon Elliott have all departed. Linebacker Malik Jefferson may miss the game with a toe injury.