For those Texas fans looking for some offensive help to return this week, and as it looks to continue its run to the College Football Playoff, you’re going to have to wait a bit longer.
At his weekly Monday press conference, head coach Charlie Strong confirmed that any player who is currently suspended will remain that way. That means wide receiver Daje Johnson as well as offensive tackles Desmond Harrison and Kennedy Estelle will not play in Saturday’s game against Kansas.
Harrison and Johnson were two of three Longhorn players — the other safety Josh Turner — suspended indefinitely in early August by Strong for violating unspecified team rules.
Turner has since dug his way out of Strong’s doghouse, while Estelle, Harrison and Johnson have yet to play in a game this year.
Getting Johnson back would certainly help the Longhorns’ offense -- provided he stayed on the straight and narrow, which has proved to be elusive during his time in Austin.
Last year, Johnson missed two different late-season games because of off-field issues. He and teammate Chet Moss were suspended for the Thanksgiving gameagainst Texas Tech, then he was declared academically ineligible for the Alamo Bowl against Oregon.
When healthy — and staying out of trouble — Johnson totaled 757 all-purpose yards in 2013 and started six games in 2013. Johnson scored three touchdowns — one each rushing, receiving and on a punt return — along with being one of the team’s top return specialists.
An ankle injury cost Johnson playing time early last season as well.
Estelle and Kennedy were the projected starters at both tackle positions prior whatever issue it was that led to their suspensions.