Mike Elko Gives Update On Texas A&M Freshman Linebacker Injury

Texas A&M could be getting an important piece of its defense back sooner rather than later.

Freshman linebacker Tamarion Watkins missed the Aggies’ 34-7 win over Arkansas, but head coach Mike Elko indicated Monday that the injury isn’t expected to become a long-term problem as Texas A&M turns its attention toward No. 14 Missouri.

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“He should be fine,” Elko said.

That’s encouraging news for an Aggies defense preparing for another difficult SEC road assignment, although Elko stopped short of declaring Watkins available for Saturday.

Watkins emerged quickly as one of Texas A&M’s most intriguing young defenders during the opening month of the season.

The former four-star prospect has appeared in four games, producing seven tackles, six solo stops and two tackles for loss while working his way into the linebacker rotation.

His early performance has also attracted attention beyond College Station. Pro Football Network gave Watkins an 89.1 grade through his first four appearances, the highest mark among freshman linebackers at the time.

Watkins recorded three tackles in Texas A&M’s 35-6 loss at LSU before being unavailable against Arkansas.

The Aggies didn't suffer defensively without him Saturday.

Texas A&M held the Razorbacks to just 214 total yards, including 111 through the air and 103 on the ground, while allowing only seven points.

Arkansas converted just three of 10 third-down attempts as the Aggies earned their first SEC victory and improved to 3-2 overall.

Still, Watkins' return would add another athletic option to a linebacker group featuring Noah Mikhail, Daymion Sanford and Ray Coney, particularly against a Missouri team coming off an impressive offensive performance.

The Tigers jumped to No. 14 in the latest AP Top 25 after dismantling then-No. 8 Florida 45-17.

That makes Saturday's trip to Columbia another major test for an A&M team trying to build momentum after consecutive SEC losses to Kentucky and LSU.

MORE: Mike Elko Praises Texas A&M’s Response in Bounce-Back Win Over Arkansas

Watkins' availability should become clearer once the SEC's weekly injury reports begin arriving.

For now, Elko's brief update gives Texas A&M reason to believe one of its most promising freshmen won't be sidelined for long.