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Texas defensive end Colin Simmons is set to sit out this weekend's game against Ole Miss because of a high ankle sprain, according to ESPN. The Longhorns will evaluate his availability on a week-to-week basis moving forward.
Simmons required assistance to leave the field in the fourth quarter of Texas's 27-24 loss to Florida and was eventually taken by cart to the locker room. He was declared out for the remainder of the contest as the Longhorns suffered their second straight defeat, surrendering a 14-point first-half advantage.
A Dallas native, Simmons is regarded as the top player on Texas's roster and one of the premier defenders in the nation. He paces the country with 10.5 sacks and has amassed 45.5 tackles for loss and 31.5 sacks across 35 games with the Longhorns. In a game against Tennessee, Simmons set a program record with 5.5 sacks.
Simmons serves as the driving force behind Texas's defense, which depends on generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks to allow defensive backs to play aggressively. In his absence, defensive tackle Maraad Watson is the only other player on the roster with more than one sack. Freshman Richard Wesley, a top-100 recruit from Chatsworth, California, is next in line on the depth chart.
The loss of Simmons arrives at a critical juncture for the program as Texas navigates an identity crisis. Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian said all options are on the table following an embarrassing 1-2 start to SEC play, including benching quarterback Arch Manning or Sarkisian relinquishing playcalling duties.
Should Simmons remain sidelined for the full four weeks, he would miss home games against No. 7 Ole Miss and Mississippi State as well as road trips to No. 22 Missouri and No. 18 LSU. All four opponents feature dynamic quarterbacks who excel when opposing defenses struggle to generate pressure.
Key Analysis
Simmons's absence poses a significant test for Texas's defense, which relies heavily on his pass-rushing ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Without him, the Longhorns must find alternative ways to create pressure against a challenging slate of quarterbacks. The timing is particularly problematic given the team's recent struggles and the coaching staff's willingness to consider major changes. How Texas adapts without its defensive centerpiece could shape the remainder of its season.
Originally reported by cbssports.