Texas running back Christian Clark injured during Monday practice

The running back injury news continues to be devastating for the Texas Longhorns.

According to On3’s Inside Texas, Christian Clark was injured during Monday’s practice. Clark is a true freshman and was expected to have a bigger role when CJ Baxter went down with a season-ending injury. For the time being, the exact injury to Clark is not yet known.

Eric Nahlin reported the injury on the Inside Texas message board on Monday evening.

Clark joined the Texas program this past spring but was not expected to contribute much during the 2024 season. However, when Baxter went down with his knee injury, Clark was a candidate to receive more touches alongside Jaydon Blue. Tre Wisner and Clark’s fellow true freshman Jerrick Gibson would have to step up as well.

Everyone in Austin will be hoping the injury is not too serious.

Clark played high school football at Phoenix (AZ) Mountain Pointe, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 335 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Joe Cook of Inside Texas spoke on the potential Clark brings to the Longhorns, comparing him to another program great from the state of Arizona.

“The players they have from this 2024 class both enrolled early,” Cook said. “And one of them is Christian Clark … I know people probably want to think oh, a great talented running back from Arizona. Well, it’s Bijan Robinson again … There’s only one of him. But there are some smooth capabilities that they both bring to their game.”

Running back depth is beginning to run thin, maybe causing some position changes on the roster. Head coach Steve Sarkisian said “We’re looking at some different options and we’re looking at it creatively” when discussing the matter during his Monday press conference.

Texas loses CJ Baxter for 2024 season due to knee injury

Baxter is reportedly out for the season after suffering a knee injury in Tuesday’s practice.

Orangebloods.com’s Anwar Richardson reported on the severity of the injury on Wednesday, noting that Baxter had suffered a torn LCL/PCL during practice. The injury will require surgery and the recovery time is between six to nine months, ending his 2024 campaign before it began.

Texas confirmed the news on Wednesday.

“Texas sophomore running back CJ Baxter sustained a knee injury in practice on Tuesday, will undergo surgery and be out for the season,” a statement from the program read.