Seven Texas players ruled out for Orange-White game

Two prospective starters and a handful of contributors will miss Saturday’s Orange-White game as the Texas Longhorns try to get healthy from spring practice.

On Tuesday, head coach Tom Herman revealed that seven players are currently ruled out of the scrimmage — running back Kyle Porter (ankle), running back Tristian Houston (knee), running back Cameron Townsend (ankle), offensive guard Patrick Hudson (knee), linebacker Gary Johnson (groin), linebacker Edwin Freeman (triceps), and cornerback Davante Davis (ankle). Tight end Cade Brewer is rehabbing a knee injury and was ruled out for the game when practice started.

The list doesn’t yet include nickel back PJ Locke III, who recently suffered a stinger and wants to play.

“We’re going to see if he’s cleared Thursday,” Herman said. “He’s going to test that stinger out a little bit. He’s begging me to play. So maybe we’ll let him run out and play a series or something if he’s cleared.”

And the fact that Herman didn’t include nose tackle Chris Nelson could be a positive sign for his availability as he recovers from an elbow injury before the Texas Bowl. Running back Kirk Johnson is also working his way back, but it’s not clear whether he’ll be available on Saturday.