Texas Longhorns (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Texas Longhorns have been dealt another massive blow in the backfield, with another running back suffering a season-ending injury.

Per ESPN’s Dave Wilson, the Texas Longhorns announced that running back Christian Clark needs surgery and will miss the entire 2024 season after suffering a torn Achilles in practice.

This news comes less than a week after fellow RB CJ Baxter was ruled out for the entire year after suffering PCL and LCL injuries in his right knee. The 19-year-old Baxter also requires surgery.

It’s a stroke of great misfortune for the Longhorns, who are expected to again contend for the national championship this year after losing to the Washington Huskies in the CFP semifinal/Sugar Bowl.

Jonathan Books, who led the Texas Longhorns in rushing last season, was taken in the second round (46th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft. Texas also lost star wide receivers Xavier Worthy (Kansas City Chiefs), Adonai Mitchell (Indianapolis Colts) and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (Carolina) in the NFL Draft.

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So the Texas offense will look awfully different in 2024, though star quarterback Quinn Ewers returns to lead the unit again. 2024 will presumably be Ewers’ final NCAA season before he turns pro, with Arch Manning presumably taking over as the starter in 2025.

With Baxter and Clark out for the year, 200-pound back Jaydon Blue will likely get RB1 duties. In limited action last season, Blue rushed for 339 yards and two rushing scores to go along with 90 receiving yards and one receiving TD.

Texas Longhorns Open Season vs. Colorado State

The Longhorns’ quest to return to the national championship game will begin on Aug. 31, when they play host to the Colorado State Rams (3:30 p.m. EST). A week later, the Longhorns will travel to Ann Arbor for a marquee matchup against the defending national champion Michigan Wolverines.