In the wake of Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian revealing earlier on Wednesday that redshirt sophomore quarterback Arch Manning and redshirt senior safety Michael Taafffe both participated in practice,
the SEC-mandated initial injury report prior to Saturday’s matchup in Austin against the Vanderbilt Commodores continued the trend of positive news.
After Taaffe practice on Tuesday in addition to Wednesday’s workout, the team leader was listed as questionable after undergoing thumb surgery last week that caused him to miss the overtime win over Mississippi State in Starkville. Taaffe could play with a heavy cast on his surgically-repaired thumb when Vanderbilt visits Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Unable to play through any pain is Manning, who also practice on Wednesday but remains in concussion protocol — team doctors will make the decision about whether the Texas starter can play on Saturday or if redshirt senior backup Matthew Caldwell will make his first start for the Longhorns.
Also listed as doubtful are senior center Cole Hutson and freshman edge Lance Jackson. The latter is the surprising inclusion after playing 25 snaps against the Bulldogs. Hutson hasn’t played since the win over Oklahoma after sustaining a leg injury in practice.
Redshirt freshman wide receiver Aaron Butler is listed as probable.
For Vanderbilt, five players remain out.
