Steve Sarkisian provides injury update on Hayden Conner, Jerrin Thompson, and Ryan Watts

Texas somehow escaped against Iowa State on Saturday afternoon, getting a three-point win. A late-game turnover from the Longhorns got Steve Sarkisian another win at home this season, improving to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the Big 12.

After the game, Sarkisian provided an injury report on three Texas starters who went down. Two came on the defensive end, with cornerback Ryan Watts being the most notable. Safety Jerrin Thompson and left guard Hayden Conner were included as well.

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Sarkisian said the trio went down for “stinger-related” reasons. For now, it seems as if they all avoided serious problems for the Longhorns.

“All three guys that went down today, they were all stinger related,” Sarkisian said during his post-game press conference.

Watts was the most noticeable absence from the game, being Texas’ starting cornerback. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s unit struggled once the Ohio State transfer left the field, who seemed to be dealing with a shoulder problem.

Thompson was a key part of the secondary as well, having a pass deflection. He served as a captain before the game as well.

Conner has been the starting left guard for Texas all season, playing alongside freshman left tackle Kelvin Banks. He has been instrumental in protecting quarterback Quinn Ewers throughout the season. He stepped into the role after Junior Angilau went down with a preseason injury.

Texas will have one of its biggest games of the season next week, traveling to Stillwater to face off against Oklahoma State. Having all three guys will be crucial for Sarkisian, needing his star player to have an important role on the road.

A potential Big 12 Championship game preview could be on deck at Boone Pickens Stadium. Both teams have a significant week ahead of them.