Texas A&M got some rough injury news on Friday heading into its SEC opener against Kentucky, with running back Jamarion Morrow and wide receiver Asthon Bethel-Roman both sliding from questionable to doubtful.
That’s the big update for the Aggies, who will host the Wildcats on Saturday. Unless something changes late, both players look likely to miss the game.
The rest of the injury report is a little better for Texas A&M. Defensive end Anto Saka and wide receiver TK Norman are still listed as probable.
Morrow’s status matters most because Texas A&M needs help in the run game. Through two games, the Aggies have struggled to get much going on the ground, with Rueben Owens II carrying the load. Texas A&M ranks seventh-worst in the SEC in rushing offense at 164.0 yards per game, a number that would look even uglier without the opening win over Missouri State.
Last week against Arizona State, the Aggies averaged only 2.6 yards per carry. Owens finished with 10 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown.
That’s why Morrow’s absence would sting. He’s Texas A&M’s second-best back, and the Aggies would love to have a one-two punch with him and Owens against a Kentucky defense that has allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game in the SEC at 107.0.
Bethel-Roman’s situation isn’t quite as damaging given what Texas A&M already has at receiver. Isaiah Horton and Mario Craver have combined for five touchdowns on 15 catches during the Aggies’ 2-0 start.
Still, the Aggies would prefer to have Bethel-Roman available soon, especially with LSU coming up next week. If he sits Saturday, it could give him another week to rest before Texas A&M heads to Baton Rouge.
Bethel-Roman hasn’t gotten much going yet this season, with just two catches for 13 yards over the first two games. The hope is that he can build momentum, but health clearly comes first.
For now, Texas A&M fans will be watching pregame warmups closely and hoping for a surprise. The doubtful designation, though, doesn’t leave much reason for optimism.
In Other News...
Texas A&M Suddenly Has A Terry Bussey Concern It Feared
Texas A&Ms opening drive against Kentucky brought an immediate scare when Terry Bussey coughed up the kickoff return and the Wildcats came away with the loose ball. The play got even worse for the Aggies from there, because Bussey also went down injured and had to be taken off the field on a cart after he was unable to put pressure on his right leg.
For a team already trying to manage life without another top receiver in the lineup for the game, the loss of Bussey adds another layer of strain to the offenses depth. Even before a full picture of the injury emerged, the Aggies were left dealing with a hit to one of the players they can least afford to lose in a game where every available option matters. [Read more 🡒]
Texas A&M Suddenly Has A New Offensive Concern Before Kentucky
Texas A&Ms latest injury update brought a little clarity on the defensive side, with defensive end Anto Saka and receiver TK Norman moving from questionable to probable ahead of the Kentucky game. On paper, that is the kind of small pregame housekeeping that usually helps settle things down, especially with the Aggies trying to get aligned before another SEC matchup.
The offense, though, picked up a new layer of uncertainty when Jamarion Morrow and Ashton Bethel-Roman were both downgraded to doubtful. Texas A&M has some depth to work with at receiver and running back, and true freshmen KJ Edwards and Carsyn Baker could see more of the field if Morrow cannot go, but the late-week shift still gives the Aggies one more thing to sort out before kickoff. [Read more 🡒]
Texas A&M's Easy Wins Haven't Quieted One Worry Before SEC Play
Texas A&M rolled past Arizona State 48-20, and the result looked every bit like the kind of convincing nonconference win that can settle a few early-season questions. The defense set the tone with two pick-six touchdowns, while Marcel Reed accounted for three scores and kept the Aggies on track even as the offense continued to search for a steadier rhythm.
Still, the bigger concern around College Station has been what the box score does not fully solve. Over the last two games, the Aggies have had trouble creating explosive plays and finding consistent production on the ground, which is why some observers, including analyst David Pollack, have been hesitant to buy Texas A&M as a true College Football Playoff contender just yet. The wins are in place, but the offensive ceiling remains the part that has SEC opponents waiting to see more. [Read more 🡒]