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Co-Starting Texas Running Back CJ Baxter Returns to Practice

Eric Nahlinby: Eric Nahlin2 hours ago
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CJ Baxter (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

Texas running back CJ Baxter returned to practice today, just in time for “Bloody Tuesday.” Baxter had been out since his first carry of the game against UTEP in Week 3. This occurred after the third-year player missed his entire sophomore campaign due to multiple torn ligaments in his knee.

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Baxter returns to an offense seeking identity. Other than Tre Wisner‘s 94-yard performance against Oklahoma two weeks ago, the Texas offense has struggled with the ground game, and thus the entire offense.

Despite missing last season, Baxter has experience from his freshman year when he amassed 659 yards on 138 carries. Experience is something the running back room lacks besides Wisner.

Will he be able to jumpstart the offense? Unless they’re special, running backs are generally as good as their blocking, and the Texas O-line has struggled to create running room. That written, Baxter could be returning at a good time. This week’s opponent, Mississippi State, is susceptible on the ground.

In Week 2, Mississippi State gave up 251 rushing yards in its upset win over Arizona State. Texas A&M gashed them for 299 yards two weeks ago. And last week, in a heartbreaking loss in Gainesville, the Gators ran for 172 yards.

We’ll see if Baxter’s return makes a difference for the Horns this Saturday in Starkville.

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