A&M provides updates on Bryce Anderson, Scooby Williams
Texas A&M and coach Mike Elko provided updates on two injured defensive starters Wednesday.
Safety Bryce Anderson and linebacker Scooby Williams were hurt in No. 10 Texas A&M’s 41-40 win over Notre Dame Saturday night, with Anderson’s providing a scary scene at Notre Dame Stadium.
During an effort to tackle Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon, Anderson’s head struck Rairdon’s side awkwardly and the senior defensive back crumpled to the ground immediately. Teammates immediately motioned for help from the sidelines, and Anderson eventually had his neck stabilized, was placed on a stretcher and carted off the field. He was taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation, and Elko said after the game that “all signs were positive” and Anderson had movement in all extremities.
In a statement released Wednesday, the Aggie football program said Anderson flew home with the team after the win and has been evaluated further by team doctors in College Station.
“We are thankful to report that no catastrophic injury was found. Bryce is in great spirits and our focus now is on supporting him through his recovery,” A&M said.
During Wednesday’s SEC teleconference with the media, Elko said there was no timeframe for Anderson’s return, but “we will have him back at some point this year.”
Williams’ injury, understandably, did not draw as much attention as Anderson’s but could be just as big a blow to the defense. Williams was apparently injured when he intercepted an errant pass from Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr in the second quarter. Williams landed awkwardly after he lunged to make the interception and did not return. His injury was referred to as a “lower body injury” in an update provided to NBC at halftime.
During the SEC teleconference, Elko said there was no definitive update on Williams’ condition.
“We are still kind of going through some testing with him,” Elko said.
Anderson has tallied 10 tackles so far this season, while Williams was off to a fantastic start with 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and Saturday night’s interception.
Sophomore Myles Davis and freshman Tom Tom Johnson will likely see increased playing time in Anderson’s absence, while Daymion Sanford and Jordan Lockhart will step in for Williams next to Taurean York.
Elko also provided an update on kicker Jared Zirkel, who won the placekicking job over Randy Bond in fall camp but did not kick against Notre Dame. Zirkel has a groin injury that prevented him from kicking off against the Fighting Irish, but Bond has apparently regained his starting job as the placekicker.
