Longhorns RB CJ Baxter A "Game-Time Decision" Against Wyoming

CJ Baxter could miss Week 3's showdown before the start of Big 12 play.

Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter has been a potent player when on the field, but will he be available for Saturday's matchup against Wyoming? 

Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian told reporters Thursday during his weekly Zoom call that Baxter would be a game-time decision against the Cowboys. Baxter is dealing with a "rib" injury suffered in Week 1's win over Rice. 

“I’m going to need to monitor him up and through pregame. I want to make sure that he’s healthy enough that he can perform, but also so there’s nothing lingering to where he’s trying to take care of himself and he can get injured another way," said Sarkisian. 

Baxter, a five-star phenom from Orlando, Fla., became the first Texas running back to start for the Longhorns in the season-opener since Ricky Williams in 1995. He totaled five carries for 38 yards, including a 32-yard scamper in the second quarter before landing awkwardly on his right side. 

Baxter was limited in practice heading into Week 2's showdown against then-No. 3 Alabama but did take reps with the starters to open the game. He finished the 34-24 win with 11 carries for 31 yards and registered four catches for 21 yards. 

Entering Monday's practice, Sarkisian described Baxter as day-to-day and would be limited heading into Saturday. The No. 4 Longhorns still have options in the run game, headlined by Jonathon Brooks and Jaydon Blue. 

© Scott Wachter, USA TODAY

Brooks finished with team-highs in carries (14) and rushing yards (57) against Alabama. He also helped Texas regain the lead in the fourth quarter with a 5-yard touchdown run. Blue led the Longhorns with 55 rushing yards in the 37-10 win over the Owls but registered one carry on the road in Tuscaloosa. 

Entering Saturday, the Cowboys (2-0) rank 38th nationally in run defense, holding opponents to 91.5 yards per game and 2.5 yards per play. Last season, Wyoming ranked top-three among Mountain West teams in run defense, headlined by linebackers Easton Gibbs and Shae Suiaunoa. 

Kickoff from Royal-Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be televised on the Longhorn Network.