Derrek Cooper a game-time decision for Texas vs. Ohio State

Texas Longhorns freshman running back Derrek Cooper is expected to be a game-time decision for the upcoming matchup against No. 1 Ohio State. Cooper suffered an ankle injury during the season opener against Texas State, which required him to wear a walking boot.

While head coach Steve Sarkisian previously expressed a pessimistic outlook, stating Cooper would be in a boot for the ‘foreseeable future’, recent reports suggest the player may be able to return as early as Saturday. If active, Cooper is viewed as a potential short-yardage and goal-line option due to his 6-foot-1, 212-pound frame.

Even if Cooper is available, Texas is expected to continue utilizing Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown as the primary rushing attack. The Longhorns will not release an official injury report as the game is a non-conference matchup.