Longhorns could get much-needed boost on offense with key player’s return from injury

AUSTIN (KXAN) — No. 22 Texas will be without its leading tackler and an important piece of the offensive line, but the Longhorns are set to get a much-needed ball carrier back Saturday against Mississippi State.

Running back CJ Baxter, who has missed the past four games with a hamstring injury, is listed as probable on Thursday’s injury report provided by the Southeastern Conference. That could ignite a Longhorns offense that desperately needs a spark, but they’ll have to do it without starting center Cole Hutson. He’ll miss his second consecutive game with an injury to his left leg.

Safety Michael Taaffe had surgery to repair a thumb injury he suffered against Kentucky, so he’ll be out for at least a few weeks but is expected to be back at some point this season.

Wide receiver Aaron Butler is also listed as out for Texas. Defensive back Xavier Filsaime and linebacker Jonathan Cunningham are listed as probable.

The SEC injury reports are updated at 7 p.m. each night, Wednesday-Friday, and then the final report is released 90 minutes before kickoff Saturday. Texas and Mississippi State are slated to kick off at 3:15 p.m. from Starkville, Mississippi.