Texas-Ohio State Injury Watch: Key Players Facing Game-Time Calls

The Texas-Ohio State injury picture remains one of the biggest storylines heading into Saturday night’s 6:30 p.m. CT showdown in Austin.

No. 4 Texas and No. 1 Ohio State are both relatively healthy at the top of their depth charts, but each has players whose availability could affect rotations in a game expected to feature little margin for error.

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For Texas, the biggest question surrounds freshman running back Derrek Cooper.

Cooper suffered an ankle injury during the Longhorns’ 59-7 season-opening victory over Texas State and was later seen wearing a boot.

He’s considered a game-time decision against Ohio State, leaving Steve Sarkisian potentially without one piece of his revamped backfield.

If Cooper can’t go, Texas still has Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown available. Smothers produced 98 total yards and a touchdown in the opener and figures to remain heavily involved regardless of Cooper’s status.

Wide receiver Daylan McCutcheon has also appeared on injury trackers after dealing with an illness, although his final game status has not been as clearly established publicly.

The offensive line bears watching as well. Trevor Goosby dealt with a knee issue during the preseason but returned to action against Texas State.

His presence becomes particularly important against an Ohio State defensive front capable of creating pressure without heavy blitzing.

Ohio State has its own uncertainty.

Wide receiver Kyle Parker is expected to miss the Texas game after also being unavailable for the Buckeyes’ 56-3 win over Ball State. Parker isn’t one of Ohio State’s primary receiving options, but his absence reduces depth behind Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss and Devin McCuin.

The more significant name to watch may be defensive end Qua Russaw.

The Alabama transfer didn’t play in the opener, but reports this week indicated optimism that Russaw could make his Ohio State debut in Austin. His availability would give the Buckeyes another experienced edge defender to throw at Arch Manning and the Texas offensive line.

Running back Anthony “Turbo” Rogers was also unavailable for Ohio State’s opener, and his status remains less certain heading into Saturday.

Neither program has a lengthy list of injured stars, which is good news considering the stakes.

But in a matchup between two national championship contenders, even losing a rotational running back, receiver or pass rusher could matter.

MORE: Glen Powell Named College GameDay Guest Picker for Texas-Ohio State

The final answers should come during pregame warmups.

Fact-check sources: Current availability reporting was cross-checked against FOX Sports, CBS Sports, Eleven Warriors, Burnt Orange Nation and official Texas/Ohio State game information.