Isaiah Bond injury update: Massive update emerges on Texas WR vs. Clemson

As he works his way back from a high ankle sprain, Isaiah Bond’s status for the College Football Playoff opener against Clemson is in question, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The Texas receiver faces “long odds” to play in Saturday’s game due to the injury.

Bond dealt with the injury during the regular season, but aggravated it in the SEC Championship against Georgia, Thamel said. The next two days will be crucial to determining his status for the first-round game in Austin, and he’ll have to “significantly improve” to be able to play.

Bond did not practice Monday, Inside Texas’ Joe Cook previously detailed. Freshman Ryan Wingo has been working out in the slot this week in Bond’s place. That shows Texas has a plan in place if the former Alabama star is unable to go on Saturday.

Bond is an important part of the Texas offense in his first season after transferring from Alabama. He sits third on the Longhorns roster with 532 receiving yards and five touchdowns entering the CFP. His health is important, though, to give Quinn Ewers a full arsenal of receivers.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said the staff shut Isaiah Bond down last week to make sure he was getting healthier. His status would be monitored throughout the week leading up to the first round, and he was optimistic about the receiver’s chances of playing.

“We’re obviously much more dynamic when he’s on the field,” Sarkisian said. “When he’s not, finding different ways to create some of those (explosive plays) to offset some of the things we don’t get when he’s there. Optimistic that he’ll be able to go Saturday. Time always tells especially with the injury he’s got.”

After falling in the SEC Championship, Texas enters the College Football Playoff as the No. 5 seed. That means the first round will come to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium as Clemson comes to town after winning the ACC Championship against SMU. Saturday’s game kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on TNT and Max.