Texas A&M freshman linebacker Tamarion Watkins appears to have avoided a long-term injury after missing Saturday’s 34-7 victory over Arkansas.
Watkins was not included on the Aggies’ initial SEC availability report but was added as out Thursday and remained unavailable through kickoff. Head coach Mike Elko provided an encouraging updatewhen asked about Watkins following the win.
“He should be fine.”
Elko did not offer additional details or confirm whether Watkins will return for Saturday’s road game against Missouri. However, his response suggests the Aggies are not expecting the freshman to miss an extended period.
Watkins has appeared in four games this season, recording seven tackles, six solo stops and two tackles for loss. He made three tackles during
Texas A&M’s loss to LSU before sitting out against Arkansas. The former four-star prospect has made an impression despite playing a rotational role. Pro Football Network graded Watkins at 89.1 through his first four appearances, the highest mark among freshman linebackers.
Texas A&M did not need Watkins to slow down Arkansas. The Aggies held the Razorbacks to 214 total yards and seven points while earning their first SEC victory of the season. Still, his return would strengthen a linebacker rotation that also includes Noah Mikhail, Ray Coney, and Daymion Sanford.
A&M travels to face No. 25 Missouri on Saturday. Watkins’ status should become clearer when the SEC releases its initial availability report Wednesday evening.
For now, Elko’s update is positive news for a freshman who has already established himself as an important part of the Aggies’ defensive future.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Mike Elko provides encouraging LB Tamarion Watkins injury update
