The SEC has mandated that its teams release availability reports starting in 2024, and for the third straight week, Texas A&M has a big name on the list. Texas A&M’s starting quarterback, Conner Weigman, is listed as questionable. Here’s the latest on Weigman’s status and what it could mean for the team if he’s unable to play.
What Happened to Conner Weigman?
Weigman’s inclusion on Texas A&M’s initial and subsequent availability reports ahead of Saturday’s game against Arkansas couldn’t have come as a surprise to Aggies fans.
On A&M’s final game-time injury report, Weigman was officially listed as a game-time decision for their matchup against Arkansas, but like the last two weeks, he’s out with what ESPN’s Pete Thamel originally described as an upper-body injury and Marcel Reed is in.
While some had hoped that Weigman would return Saturday, it’s clear that this could be a long-term injury. With Weigman out, backup Marcel Reed will lead the Aggies for the third straight week, this time against an Arkansas defense that picked off four passes against Auburn last week.
Who Is Marcel Reed?
Backup quarterback Marcel Reed is poised to make his third career start Saturday. However, some Aggies fans have already decided Reed is their guy going forward.
A graduate of Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, Reed is a true dual-threat quarterback capable of beating defenses both through the air and on the ground. Now a redshirt freshman, Reed made three appearances last season and has appeared in three of four games this year, including starts against Florida and Bowling Green.
Reed has thrown for 422 yards on 32 of 57 passing this season, throwing for four touchdowns and no interceptions. He’s also added 217 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
While he didn’t start in the Texas Bowl, he stepped in on the game’s first play after an injury and threw for over 300 yards, showing impressive poise in the pocket.
Reed’s greatest asset is his ability to operate a full offense. He excelled in Montgomery Bell’s complex offensive system in high school, running it to perfection. Under the guidance of a coach like Mike Elko, Reed’s strengths are on full display, and it’s possible he’ll be the starter going forward, even when Weigman is healthy.
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