Jimbo Fisher is 'very optimistic' on Evan Stewart, Devon Achane injury outlook

Texas A&M snapped a six-game losing skid on Saturday with a win over UMass and now coach Jimbo Fisher is hoping Evan Stewart and Devon Achane injury issues are nearly behind the Aggies, as well.

The Aggies will wrap up the season with a home contest against No. 6 LSU, having missed the chance to reach a bowl thanks to a 4-7 record.

The absence of Achane and Stewart recently has hamstrung an offense that already had significant issues scoring points. Achane has missed the past two games due to a foot problem, while Stewart was a surprise scratch for this weekend’s game against UMass. Fisher thinks both could return against LSU.

“Very hopeful. I’m very optimistic about that,” Fisher said Monday. “I can’t say that for sure ever on day-by-day things, but I feel very optimistic. They’re pushing, I’ll say that. They’ve been working their tails off.”

Achane has essentially been the bulk of the Texas A&M offense the entire season. Until last week, he was the only player on the team who had more than 100 yards rushing all season.

Evan Stewart, Devon Achane injury outlook encouraging

That the Devon Achane injury might not keep him out of the regular-season finale is certainly good news for the Aggies. Fisher hinted last week he thought there was a chance Achane could return still.

The junior running back has run the ball 158 times for 887 yards and six touchdowns, while also recording 36 catches for 196 yards and three more scores. He’s been a massive weapon as a return man, too.

Stewart, meanwhile, is a five-star freshman who leads the team in receiving.

Through nine games played he has racked up 49 catches for 607 yards and two touchdowns. Stewart left the Auburn game with an apparent head injury and did not return.

Texas A&M and LSU are scheduled to kick off Saturday at 7 p.m. ET with a broadcast on ESPN.