Texas Tech will be without one of its most dangerous offensive pieces today against Sam Houston, with tight end Terrance Carter Jr. sidelined by an AC joint injury suffered in last week’s 28-26 win over Houston.
Pete Thamel of ESPN reported the news, which leaves the Red Raiders trying to build some rhythm in their final non-conference game without a player widely viewed as one of their top playmakers. Carter’s absence comes at a tricky moment for an offense still searching for its identity before Big 12 play heats up.
Carter entered the year with plenty of buzz as a sure-fire NFL draft pick in 2027, thanks to the kind of athletic profile and pass-catching ability that jumps off the page. But his 2026 season has been slowed by injuries from the start.
In the opener against Abilene Christian, Carter caught three passes for 28 yards. He then missed the week two game at Oregon State because of a foot injury that left him in a walking boot. He returned against Houston last week and finished with two catches for 34 yards.
His status drew extra attention after the Houston game, when he was seen limping off the field following the Cougars’ fourth-quarter onside kick attempt. That moment sparked concern that he might have worsened the issue that had already cost him a game.
The injury now being described is different, though, with the AC joint located along the clavicle near the shoulder. That kind of injury can be especially troublesome for a tight end, given the contact involved in blocking and the strain of reaching for passes.
Even without Carter, Texas Tech has options. Jett Carpenter and freshman TE Matt "Moose" Ludwig are both capable of stepping in.
The hope inside the program is that this is more of a precaution than a long-term setback, especially with Big 12 play set to resume next weekend at Colorado. For now, though, the Red Raiders will have to finish their last non-conference test without one of the most important names in their offense.
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Texas Tech Opens Final Tuneup With One Intriguing Lineup Change
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Jett Carpenter has been announced as the starting tight end in place of Terrance Carter Jr., who is reportedly out for the game. It is the kind of adjustment that can reshape a game plan just enough to matter, especially in a matchup like this where Texas Tech is looking to sharpen things up and keep building momentum before the schedule gets much more demanding. [Read more 🡒]