Texas quarterback David Ash will not play in the Longhorns’ Week 2 contest against BYU, head coach Charlie Strong told reporters Monday.
Texas QB David Ash won’t play vs. BYU, return ‘not ruled out’
Tyrone Swoopes will start in his place against the Cougars.
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Ash has struggled with concussion issues throughout his career in Austin, missing most of the 2013 season. He was hit hard early in the Longhorns’ opening week victory over North Texas, and while Strong declined to offer details on the situation, the quarterback’s history with head injuries makes that a prime candidate.
To clarify, Ash showed no symptoms for concussion during game. But some causes for concern increased in next several hours.
— Travis Haney (@TravHaneyESPN) September 1, 2014 Strong said he’s “not ruling out” Ash’s return this season, which suggests he could be out for quite some time. Ash played the entirety of the Longhorns’ 38-7 victory over the visiting Mean Green on Saturday, completing 19-of-34 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown.
Wescott Eberts at Burnt Orange Nation fears this is the end of Ash’s playing career.
The news will once again raise calls for Ash to give up football for his long-term health. Heading into the season, Ash said that he had never seriously considered giving up the game after missing all that time last fall, but he may have to re-assess that position after the latest news. Or the Texas training staff may have to step in.
Tyrone Swoopes, who Ash beat out in camp, is expected to take over the starting job. Swoopes played six games as a true freshman in 2013, completing five passes for 26 yards and running 20 times for 79 yards. The Longhorns' other option at quarterback is blue-chip true freshman Jerrod Heard, who has received high praise since signing with Texas.
It’s not the only bad injury news for Texas this week -- starting center Dominic Espinosa broke his ankle and will require surgery, taking the senior out of contention indefinitely, Strong confirmed to reporters.
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