Ewers Ankle Progress: K-State Decision Pending

**Texas QB Quinn Ewers’ Status for Kansas State Clash Trending Upward Despite Lingering Ankle Uncertainty**

AUSTIN, Texas – October 26, 2023 – The Texas Longhorns continue to navigate the precarious waters surrounding starting quarterback Quinn Ewers as his ankle injury remains the primary talking point ahead of Saturday’s pivotal Big 12 showdown against Kansas State. While an official decision on his availability for the October 28th contest at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium is still pending, sources close to the program indicate a notably optimistic shift in his recovery progress.

Ewers sustained the ankle sprain during the Longhorns’ narrow 31-24 victory over Houston last Saturday, a game where he left in the fourth quarter after scrambling and getting tackled awkwardly. The immediate aftermath saw widespread concern about his long-term availability, but indications throughout the week have brightened.

“Quinn has been diligently working with our medical staff and has participated in light drills,” a source familiar with the team’s practices, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to discuss player health, told reporters on Thursday. “He’s showing good mobility and a strong desire to be out there with his teammates. We’re taking it day by day, but the sentiment is far more positive than it was early in the week.”

Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, typically tight-lipped on injury specifics, offered a cautious but hopeful update during his weekly press conference. “Quinn is a competitor, and he’s doing everything he can to be ready,” Sarkisian said Tuesday. “We’ll evaluate him throughout the week and make the best decision for him and for our team. We have confidence in all our guys, but obviously, Quinn is a critical piece.”

The No. 7 Longhorns (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) face No. 23 Kansas State (5-2, 3-1 Big 12) in a matchup with significant Big 12 Championship implications. Both teams are vying for position atop the conference standings, and a victory for Texas would be crucial in maintaining their College Football Playoff aspirations. Ewers, who has thrown for 1,915 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions this season, has been instrumental in Texas’s offensive success and leadership. His ability to extend plays and deliver precise passes has been a cornerstone of the Longhorns’ attack.

Should Ewers be unable to play or be limited, redshirt freshman Maalik Murphy would be in line to make his first career start. Highly touted true freshman Arch Manning is also available, though he has yet to see game action. Murphy has appeared in a few games this season, primarily in mop-up duty, completing 2 of 4 passes for 11 yards. A full game against a strong Kansas State defense, which held TCU to just 3 points last week, would be a significant test of his readiness and the Longhorns’ offensive adaptability.

Kansas State, the reigning Big 12 champions, comes into Austin on a two-game winning streak and boasts a stout defense capable of pressuring quarterbacks and forcing turnovers. Their own offensive attack, led by quarterback Will Howard and a potent rushing game, presents a formidable challenge, regardless of Ewers’ status. The Wildcats will look to exploit any perceived weakness, whether it’s an injured starter or an inexperienced backup.

The final decision on Ewers’ availability is expected to be a game-time call, likely to be announced closer to kickoff. As the clock ticks down to Saturday, the focus in Austin remains squarely on the health of its star signal-caller, with the hopeful anticipation that he might lead the Longhorns onto the field against a crucial conference rival.