Texas running back Daniel Young will miss several weeks after sustaining a high ankle sprain, according to multiple reports. 

Young has played in 27 games in two games as a Longhorn. He has rushed for 526 yards and three touchdowns on 4.3 yards per carry. However, his carries were nearly cut in half as he struggled as a sophomore. 

Young's injury leaves the Longhorns in a precarious situation at running back. Senior running back Kirk Johnson is already out for significant time after sustaining a shoulder injury. Freshman Derrian Brown will be out at least the 2019 season as he recovers from a stroke suffered while home in Georgia. 

Projected starter Keaontay Ingram is expected back for the opener against Louisiana Tech, but has missed several weeks of preseason camp with a knee injury. At this point, freshman Jordan Whittington is the only fully healthy running back on the roster. 

The Longhorns also have two walk-on running backs: Clear Brook freshman Jarrett Smith and sophomore Jaren Watkins. Expect to see some wide receivers get some run at running back as well in practice for depth.

Quarterback Sam Ehlinger will likely take a bigger role in the rushing game again as a junior with all the options limited. He rushed for 482 yards and 16 touchdowns in a standout sophomore season. 

Texas faces off against Louisiana Tech at 7 p.m. on Aug. 31 at Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium in Austin. The game will be broadcast live on the Longhorn Network. Texas has lost both season openers under head coach Tom Herman.