Three Texas freshmen aren’t currently practicing due to injuries

Practice in preparation for the Sugar Bowl produced several injuries last week, as two Texas Longhorns freshmen joined a formerly-injured freshman on the sidelines.

The school announced on Tuesday that freshman wide receiver Malcolm Epps had surgery to repair a broken collarbone several weeks ago and will not play in the Sugar Bowl against the Georgia Bulldogs on Jan. 1 in New Orleans. Epps appeared in three games this season and recorded one catch for 18 yards against Texas Tech.

The other two players are currently receiving treatment and undergoing rehabilitation in hopes of returning for that game — wide receiver Al’vonte Woodard (sprained shoulder) and defensive lineman Moro Ojomo (sprained ankle). Both players were injured in practice last week.

Woodard hasn’t appeared in a game yet for the Longhorns, but Ojomo has appeared in two games, recording a quarterback hit in his debut against West Virginia. Since all three starters along the defensive line are seniors, Ojomo’s development during bowl preparation is a major storyline for the Horns, so his injury is an unfortunate setback in that regard, even though it’s not a long-term issue.