The Texas A&M Aggies enter their first season under new head coach Mike Elko with tremendous pressure to perform.
Since their 11-2 finish in the 2012 season, the first under Kevin Sumlin, the Aggies have been unable to reach the 10-win plateau, with Sumlin getting fired after the 2017 season after going 51-26 with the school in favor of Jimbo Fisher who was fired late last season and went 45-25 in six seasons with the Aggies.
Elko’s first season was dealt a tough blow over the weekend, as the coach confirmed that running back Rueben Owens suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday’s scrimmage. ESPN’s Max Olson had the news first, and added that Owens’ injury is likely season-ending.
Texas A&M RB Rueben Owens is expected to miss the season after suffering a lower body injury in a scrimmage yesterday, sources tell me and @PeteThamel.
Owens produced 743 all-purpose yards and 3 TDs as a freshman in 2023.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) August 11, 2024
As Olson notes, Owens was a force in his freshman season, racking up 743 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns en route to an appearance on the 2023 SEC All-Freshman team.
Elko noted Sunday in a release that he would address Owens’ injury during his next media availability which will be Saturday, August 17.
Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko just released the following statement on Rueben Owens II:
“Rueben Owens suffered a lower leg injury in our scrimmage on Saturday (Aug. 10). I will address his injury at my next media availability.”
That availability is scheduled for Saturday.
— Carter Karels (@CarterKarels) August 12, 2024
Texas A&M will likely continue to lean on leading returning rushers Amari Daniels and Le’Veon Moss, but Owens’ injury removes a layer of dynamic the offense could have utilized.