Steve Sarkisian on injuries at wide receiver, MVP from Texas' scrimmage Saturday

Following the disappointing first scrimmage for the Texas Longhorns, Steve Sarkisian was happier with his squad in their second iteration. The Longhorns head coach spoke on his wide receivers, their injuries and even named one of them the MVP of Saturday’s scrimmage.

To begin, Sarkisian updated the media on the health of wide receiver Troy Omeire.

“Troy, he’s got a subtle strain to his knee,” said Sarkisian, via the team’s YouTube channel. “He’s in the rehab process. I don’t want to call it day-to-day, but I also don’t want to think it’s months either.

“I think the reality of this thing with him, could be a week, maybe two – we’ll see. But we’re under way. We’re in the process of getting him back to one-hundred percent healthy and getting him back on the field.”

Last summer, Omeire’s season ended before it started due to a torn ACL. Subsequently, he missed the entire 2020 season. Fast forward, he has a tremendous opportunity this season, but it’s no surprise that the Longhorns are being cautious with him.

Jaden Alexis leaves scrimmage

Furthermore, Sarkisian mentioned that Omeire’s fellow wide receiver was also dealing with an injury following Saturday’s scrimmage.

“The one guy that didn’t finish the scrimmage was Jaden Alexis,” said Sarkisian. “We’ll get him checked out with the knee, I’ll keep you guys posted on that.” 

Per Sarkisian, the former four-star recruit was the only Longhorns player to leave the scrimmage with an injury. As Texas looks for play-makers to step up this season, an injury to Alexis would be devastating for his chances to make a name for himself.

Steve Sarkisian’s MVP

In addition, Sarkisian offered high praise for one of his wide receivers, mentioning that a certain one was the player of the game.

“Josh [Moore] has been back now for a few days, he had a great scrimmage today,” said Sarkisian. “If I had to give you a player of the game, it would probably be Josh Moore after today’s scrimmage.”

Evidently, Moore’s shoulder injury hasn’t derailed his play. Last week, the wide receiver missed practice while dealing with said injury. Luckily, Texas seems to have dodged a bullet.

Last season, Moore was one of Texas’ best offensive players. The former four-star recruit led the Longhorns in receiving, compiling 30 receptions for 472 yards and nine touchdowns. 

This season, he projects to be one of the Longhorns starting receivers, as well as one of their most important players on offense. Earlier this year, Moore mentioned that he believes Sarkisian’s offense will put him in positions to succeed.

“What makes it unique and what makes it exciting is that every receiver that runs a route, it doesn’t matter what defense they play, somebody will be open no matter what,” said Moore, per Burnt Orange Nation. “It’s all up to the guy to make the play.”

On Saturday, Josh Moore was the guy making the plays for Steve Sarkisian. If the wide receiver can keep the momentum going, his head coach will continue to be impressed by him.