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Steve Sarkisian provides update on Michael Taaffe and Arch Manning ahead of Vanderbilt game

by: Evan Vieth3 hours ago
Arch Manning, Texas
© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Texas has two No. 16s that are integral to their team, both of which are battling injuries.

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Two weeks ago, safety Michael Taaffe injured his thumb, requiring surgery and sidelining him against Mississippi State.

On the other side, quarterback Arch Manning played the majority of the game against the Bulldogs, but went into concussion protocol after taking a hit in overtime in Starkville.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said on Monday that Manning was under concussion protocol and that it was the doctor’s decision whether he would be able to play on Saturday or not. With that, Sarkisian provided an update on both players during his weekly SEC teleconference on Wednesday afternoon.

“They both practiced here today,” Sarkisian said. “Arch is obviously still in protocol. There are steps as it pertains to protocol, but Michael has practiced the last two days.”

A good sign for Texas fans, who dearly missed Taaffe in a game where Texas’ defense gave up 38 points to the Bulldogs. Originally, it seemed as if Taaffe would not be able to play against Vanderbilt, given the recency of his injury, hoping for him to return after the bye week against Georgia.

With this news, Taaffe’s timeline may be even more advanced. If there’s any player Texas fans can count on trying to push through an injury to get on the field, it’s the former walk-on and leader of the team.

The note on Manning is important. As our own Eric Nahlin wrote today, it seems as if his concussion is not as severe as previously thought. Some concussions can completely limit day-to-day actions of players, but Manning was at practice today, though under the guidelines of the SEC’s concussion protocol.

Manning and Taaffe’s availability will be further highlighted in tonight’s SEC availability report dropping around 7 P.M., where Sarkisian will have the chance to list the likelihood of either player, and any other individuals battling injury, playing against Vanderbilt on Saturday.

The Longhorns have already missed the leadership and skill of Taaffe, and the loss of Manning would hurt Texas’ chances of taking home a must-win game against a top-10 opponent. Only time will tell about their availability for Saturday’s game.

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