Just as Texas had gained a bit of momentum following a tumultuous start to the 2013 season, the Longhorns’ defense has reportedly taken a huge injury punch to the gut.
According to Orangebloods.com, starting linebacker Jordan Hicks will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an unspecified injury. The website reported that it’s currently working on nailing down the specifics of the injury, which would’ve occurred during the win over Kansas State yesterday.
Hicks currently leads the Longhorns in tackles with 41 -- Steve Edmond and Cedric Reed are tied at No. 2 with 28 each -- and is third in tackles for loss.
If the report is accurate -- the school has yet to address the development -- it would mark the second consecutive season Hicks has seen his season end prematurely.
Hicks missed most of the 2012 season with a groin/hip injury, and was finally ruled out for the year in November after playing in just three games. In July of this year, Hicks was approved for a medical redshirt that gave him an additional year of eligibility, leaving him with two entering this season. As Hicks played in four games this season, he would not qualify for another medical redshirt and sixth season of eligibility.
Hicks’ roller coaster ride the past year-plus hasn’t been confined to on-field injuries as he and backup quarterback Case McCoy were indefinitely suspended in December amidst a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault that occurred in the run-up to UT’s Alamo Bowl appearance.
No charges were ever filed, and both players were reinstated in mid-January.
UPDATED 5:03 p.m. ET: Texas confirmed that Hicks will miss the remainder of the 2013 season after rupturing the Achilles tendon in his left leg. Obviously, he will undergo surgery this week to repair the damage.
