The Texas Longhorns have to win to get into the SEC Championship Game, and in front of them stands a massive test: rival Texas A&M Aggies. To do so, they may have to beat the Aggies with a beat-up quarterback.
The latest Quinn Ewers injury update puts not only his status for the game against A&M in jeopardy, it also shrinks their odds to pull off a victory in the process.
What Happened to Quinn Ewers?
To put it plainly, Ewers is just flat-out beat up. To be specific, his ankle sprain may be more serious than anticipated.
Ewers suffered a ‘tweaked ankle’ in Texas’ win over Kentucky in Week 13, but imaging tests revealed no structural damage following the game. However, as the week progressed, the injury may not have improved as much as Texas was hoping.
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It was clear that Ewers took the snaps with the first teams this week during practice but, indeed, didn’t play his all out. Horns247 indicated that Ewers was limited when taking snaps with the first teams.
“Quinn took the first snaps with the first team, but he was definitely limited,” the post said.
Ewers was reportedly seen in a stiff brace during Tuesday and Wednesday practices and one of two things can be true here: he’s not responding to treatment or the Longhorns are being extra cautious.
If Ewers cannot go, Arch Manning will play. Signs point toward Ewers at least giving it a go with head coach Steve Sarkisian reportedly having a very close leash on pulling him if he doesn’t appear to be 100%.
Texas’ Playoff Chances Entering Week 14
It should be said that the Longhorns have as close to a 100% chance to make the playoffs as any team. In fact, even with a loss to A&M on Saturday, they’re likely still in the postseason.
A win against A&M gives them a spot in the SEC Championship Game, where they’d play Georgia. Winning that would give them a first-round bye but losing it would also keep them firmly in the playoff picture.
Nevertheless, our simulation model give the Longhorns a 99.8% chance to make the playoffs, solely based on the fact that nothing can truly predict what the committee will actually do.
With or without Ewers, it appears they’re primed to make the playoffs, but with winning the SEC firmly in their grasp, giving it their all against A&M will be integral.
CFN will stay on top of Ewers’ injury and his status for the A&M game as we get to Saturday.
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