Texas RB Jordan Whittington undergoes surgery

On Wednesday, Texas Longhorns freshman running back Jordan Whittington posted pictures in New York City. Within hours, it became clear why he was in the Northeast — to have another surgery after struggling to return to the field due to lingering pain and swelling following his second sports hernia surgery in September.

The former consensus five-star prospect initially had a doctor perform a sports hernia surgery as a high school senior. After signing with the Longhorns, playing in the 2019 Under Armour All-American game, and standing out during spring practice at his new position of running back, Whittington started experiencing discomfort once again during preseason camp.

In the season opener against Louisiana Tech, Whittington had two receptions for 17 yards in the first half before he left the game and did not return. Days later, he traveled to Philadelphia for surgery on a torn abductor that was supposed to keep him out for four-to-six weeks.

The issue in that area is the complex musculature that requires expert an expert surgeon. And while Whittington’s first surgery didn’t meet that standard, his September surgery was conducted by the best in the country — the same surgeon who operated on former Texas quarterback Shane Buechele following the 2017 season.

Ultimately, Whittington wasn’t able to return to the field due to lingering soreness and swelling that kept him week-to-week despite positive MRIs and medical clearance from the Longhorns staff.

Now he’s had to have a third surgery for the same issue, so he won’t play in the Alamo Bowl at the end of this month, but the hope is surely to have him back for spring practice with no lingering effects.