Steve Sarkisian says Xavier Worthy had a broken hand to end 2022 season

The Texas Longhorns kick off spring practice Monday as the team enters their third season under head coach Steve Sarkisian. He spoke to the media Monday and gave various injury updates on his players as it relates to spring practice.

While doing so, Sarkisian revealed a shocking injury sustained by star wide receiver Xavier Worthy last season.

“The one guy it was great to have back out there today, which you guys didn’t know and I tried to protect this throughout the season, but Xavier had a broken hand essentially the second half of the season,” Sarkisian said.

The Longhorns and Sarkisian did a great job of keeping Worthy’s injury under wraps last season, and so did he with his play. Worthy was the Longhorns’ leading receiver, ending the season with 60 receptions for 760 yards and nine touchdowns, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors from the coaches and the Associated Press.

His production did not waiver at all last season, as he and quarterback Quinn Ewers will look to build on the foundation they created last season this offseason.

“And so to get him back out there, he was in a cast for about eight weeks or roughly, so to get him back out there practicing full speed, which was awesome,” Sarkisian said.

Worthy has played just two seasons with the Longhorns, but already ranks third all-time in school history in touchdown receptions with 21. He’s played in and started in 25 games for Texas during his career and as a pivotal piece of their offensive attack could take an even greater leap this upcoming season at full health.

Steve Sarkisian reveals Texas players limited by injury in spring ball

That smell is in the air again, as the Texas Longhorns suit up for spring football.

There’s a whiff of excitement in the air as it pertains to Steve Sarkisian’s team. However, the injury bug is going around the program, as Joe Cook of Inside Texas shared to Twitter a bevy of Texas athletes who are currently limited at practice.

“Steve Sarkisian says Jonathon Brooks, Jalen Catalon, Jaylon Guilbeau, Derion Gullette, Cole Hutson, Maalik Murphy, Isaiah Neyor, and Keilan Robinson will be limited this spring or were limited today,” tweeted Cook. “Robinson is nursing a strain, per Sark.”

Indisputably, that’s a long list filled with some important players. Luckily, we’re in the earliest stages of preparation for the season, and they’ll have plenty of time to get ready to be back on the field.

The Longhorns boast a talented roster, and Steve Sarkisian will be hoping for his best season yet. Hopefully his group of injured players can be back on the field as soon as possible so they don’t miss a beat in getting amped up.

On3’s Steve Samra contributed to this report