CJ Baxter injured: What it means for Texas football

What's next for Texas football amid news that leading running back CJ Baxter sustained a knee injury in football practice.

Where things stand with Texas football star CJ Baxter amid reports he suffered a knee injury in practice. / Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Projected starting Texas Longhorns running back CJ Baxter suffered an LCL/PCL tear after a knee injury during football practice and will miss the season, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

The injury will require surgery, and an expected recovery time of six to nine months.

Baxter was poised to start at tailback for the Longhorns as a freshman five-star prospect last season, but a rib injury in the season opener ultimately limited his playing time in 2023.

Then, following an injury to starting back Jonathon Brooks, he and Jaydon Blue shared carries for the final four games of the season, including the Longhorns' loss to Washington in the CFP semifinal.

Baxter carried for 659 yards and five touchdowns in that time, posting an average of 4.8 yards per attempt, helping Texas to a Big 12 title, and he averaged 5.3 yards per rush in the last four games.

What it means for Texas

Baxter was expected to carry the load for the Longhorns in the backfield this season after he earned a position on the preseason Doak Walker Award watchlist, an honor given in the postseason for the top running back in college football.

Now, with Baxter out of the picture, Jaydon Blue will take over in his place. A third-year junior who has played in 23 games, Blue is short on experience, with only 80 rushing attempts in his career.

Blue also earned consideration on the Doak Walker preseason watchlist.

Tre Wisner could see more time in the Longhorns' backfield in Baxter's absence as the likely reserve option, while freshmen Christian Clark and Jerrick Gibson are also potential replacement options.

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