Five Texas A&M Football Players Listed as ‘Questionable’ for Texas Game: What It Means for the Aggies
The highly anticipated Texas A&M vs. Texas game is just around the corner, and with it comes a sense of excitement and nervous energy.
The rivalry game between the two powerhouse programs, rekindled after a long hiatus, is expected to be a clash of titans in the college football world.
However, as the Texas A&M Aggies prepare for this monumental showdown, head coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff are dealing with some significant injury concerns. Five key players have been listed as “questionable” for the game against the Texas Longhorns, and their potential absence could have a major impact on the Aggies’ chances of securing a victory.
As we break down the situation, we’ll look at each player’s importance to the team, the nature of their injuries, and what it could mean for the Aggies as they head into one of the most crucial matchups of the season.
1. QB Connor Weigman – Questionable
One of the most important question marks heading into the game is Connor Weigman, the starting quarterback for the Aggies. Weigman, a sophomore and one of the brightest young quarterbacks in the SEC, has been the leader of Texas A&M’s offense all season. However, he has been dealing with an undisclosed injury that has left his status for the Texas game up in the air.
Weigman’s potential absence is a huge blow to the Aggies’ offensive game plan. Known for his strong arm, mobility, and leadership, Weigman has been instrumental in the team’s success. His ability to stretch the field with deep passes and keep defenses on their toes with his running ability has been key to the Aggies’ offensive rhythm.
Should Weigman be unavailable, Texas A&M would likely turn to Max Johnson, the backup quarterback who has seen significant playing time this season. Johnson, a transfer from LSU, has proven to be capable in relief of Weigman but lacks the same consistency and explosiveness that the starter brings. Johnson’s ability to execute the game plan effectively would be critical, but facing a Texas team that has one of the top defenses in the nation could present challenges, especially if he is thrust into a high-stakes situation without the preparation as the starter.
Impact: If Weigman can’t go, the Aggies’ offense would take a step back, potentially forcing them to rely more on the run game and shorter passing routes, which may limit their scoring potential.
2. RB Devon Achane – Questionable
Another key player who has been listed as questionable is Devon Achane, the dynamic running back for the Aggies. Achane has been the heart and soul of the Texas A&M offense this season, consistently putting up big numbers both as a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield. His ability to make defenders miss, explode through holes, and gain yards after contact has made him one of the most dangerous playmakers in the SEC.
Achane has been nursing a lower-body injury, and while the specifics have not been disclosed, the fact that he’s listed as questionable is cause for concern. His injury could severely limit his ability to be the game-changer that the Aggies need in such a high-pressure rivalry game. If Achane is unable to play or is not at full strength, it would put a significant strain on the Aggies’ offense. The team would likely rely on Amari Daniels or Le’Veon Moss, both capable backs, but neither can replicate Achane’s game-breaking ability.
Impact: If Achane is sidelined, Texas A&M’s offense will lose its most explosive weapon, forcing the team to adjust its strategy. Without Achane, the Aggies could struggle to control the clock and balance the offense, making it easier for Texas to focus on stopping the pass.
3. WR Evan Stewart – Questionable
On the receiving side, Evan Stewart, a freshman wide receiver who has been a breakout star for the Aggies this season, is listed as questionable for the game. Stewart has quickly become Weigman’s top target, showcasing incredible speed, agility, and playmaking ability. His deep-threat capabilities and ability to make contested catches have made him a dangerous weapon on the outside for Texas A&M.
Stewart has been dealing with an upper-body injury, which has limited his practice participation leading up to the Texas game. If Stewart is unable to go or is not at 100%, the Aggies will have to rely more heavily on other receivers like Anias Smith and Jalen Preston to pick up the slack. While both have shown flashes of brilliance, neither has the same game-breaking potential as Stewart, and losing his presence on the field would take away a significant deep-threat weapon for Weigman or Johnson.
Impact: Losing Stewart would limit the Aggies’ ability to stretch the field and put pressure on Texas’ secondary. With Stewart out, the Longhorns would likely focus their efforts on defending the intermediate and short routes, making it more difficult for the Aggies to create explosive plays.
4. OL Layden Robinson – Questionable
The Texas A&M offensive line has been solid this season, but one of their key players, Layden Robinson, the senior offensive guard, is listed as questionable heading into the Texas game. Robinson has been a reliable force on the line and is known for his ability to open up running lanes and protect the quarterback in passing situations. His leadership and experience are crucial for an offensive line that has faced a few challenges this year but has overall been one of the better units in the SEC.
Robinson has been dealing with a leg injury, and if he is unable to play, the Aggies would likely shift Aki Ogunbiyi or Remington Strickland into the starting lineup, both of whom are capable but have not seen as many first-team reps as Robinson. The loss of Robinson would put more pressure on the rest of the offensive line, particularly in pass protection, as the Aggies are likely to face an aggressive Texas defense led by pass rusher Ovie Oghoufo.
Impact: Without Robinson, the Aggies could struggle to control the line of scrimmage, which would make it harder to establish both the run and the pass. With Texas’ defense likely to be focused on exploiting this weakness, it could limit Texas A&M’s offensive production.
5. CB Jaylon Jones – Questionable
On the defensive side of the ball, Jaylon Jones, a key cornerback for the Aggies, has been listed as questionable for the Texas game. Jones has been a top performer in the secondary this season, providing lockdown coverage and adding a physical presence to the defense. His ability to cover top receivers and disrupt passing plays has been a key factor in Texas A&M’s defensive success.
Jones has been dealing with a hamstring injury, and if he is unable to go, the Aggies will have to rely on Tyreek Chappell and Julian Humphrey to step up. While both are talented corners, they lack the experience and consistency of Jones, who has been one of the team’s most reliable defenders all season. His absence would put extra pressure on the Texas A&M secondary, especially with Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers looking to take advantage of any vulnerabilities in the defense.
Impact: If Jones is out, the Aggies’ secondary will be significantly weaker, making it easier for Texas to exploit mismatches in the passing game. Jones’ ability to shut down top receivers and force turnovers has been invaluable, and without him, the Longhorns could find more success through the air.
Conclusion: A Game of High Stakes
The Texas A&M vs. Texas game is already shaping up to be one of the most intense and critical matchups of the season, and the uncertainty surrounding the status of five key players only adds to the intrigue. Whether it’s Connor Weigman, Devon Achane, Evan Stewart, Layden Robinson, or Jaylon Jones, each of these players brings something essential to the table for the Aggies. If they are unable to play or are less than 100%, it will force head coach Jimbo Fisher and his team to adjust their strategy and rely on depth players to step up in a big way.
With so much on the line in this rivalry game, the Aggies will need to overcome these injury concerns if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive and make a statement against their biggest rivals. Texas A&M has shown resilience all season, and now, they’ll need to dig deep if they’re going to secure a critical victory in one of the most important games of the year.
