As Elko mentioned, the injuries are relatively minor, and he expects those players to be ready for Saturday’s game. The two players sustained undisclosed injuries in A&M’s loss to Auburn last Saturday and didn’t return. Hill, who played seven snaps before getting hurt while defending a pass in the end zone during the first quarter, was one of the injured players.
Lee, who entered the game with the most snaps on the team (582), averaging 53 snaps per game, only played 18 snaps against Auburn.
Elko was non-committal about running back Rueben Owens’ potential return. Owens, listed as “doubtful” for the first time this season, has been sidelined since suffering a leg injury during fall camp. Elko previously stated that Owens could only return if A&M has an extended postseason run. “Rueben’s running. He’s moving. We’ll see where it goes,” Elko said.
The Aggies have faced running back depth issues due to injuries to Owens and starting back Le’Veon Moss, who will miss the remainder of the season. Against Auburn, Amari Daniels was heavily relied upon, running 27 times for 90 yards and a touchdown. Terry Bussey also took on running back duties and played as a Wildcat quarterback.
Chase Bisontis, who was injured in the win against Mississippi State and missed the following three games, returned to play 20 snaps. During his absence, TJ Shanahan and Kam Dewberry filled in at left guard. “It was great having Chase back. He’s a big presence for us inside,” Elko remarked.
Shanahan earned a team-high 87.3 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, along with a 65.4 run-blocking grade. Elko emphasized the impact of injuries on depth: “It’s always next man up, and TJ Shanahan and Kam Dewberry played really well. But as much as it’s next man up, you lose depth and the ability to rotate. It’s great to have Chase back. He’s a big part of our offensive line.”
