Texas RB Derrek Cooper out for Ohio State game, 'foreseeable future,' Steve Sarkisian says

Running back Derrek Cooper left Texas' 59-7 win in the first half against Texas State with an injury to his right foot or ankle, and the freshman won't be back anytime soon, Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday. Sarkisian didn't reveal the extent of the injury or how much time Cooper will miss, but the running back remains in a walking boot and won't play in Saturday's showdown against No. 1 Ohio State at Royal-Memorial Stadium. "Derek's in a boot, and he'll be in a boot until the foreseeable future," Sarkisian said. A four-star recruit out of Florida, Cooper was expected to play a backup role for Texas this year behind transfers Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown. The physical Cooper drew praise from Sarkisian in his first spring on campus and had two carries for six yards during the win over Bobcats before limping off the field. Smothers and Brown combined for 104 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, and reserves Michael Terry and James Simon each had three carries once Cooper left the game. Along with versatile Ryan Niblett, that pair could spell Smothers and Brown. Sign up for the Daily Briefing from the Austin American-Statesman. Start your day with the must-read headlines from Austin's most trusted news source. This article originally published at Texas RB Derrek Cooper out for Ohio State game, 'foreseeable future,' Steve Sarkisian says.