COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M sophomore running back Rueben Owens suffered a lower leg injury during a scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 10.
ESPN initially reported the news, which was later confirmed by head football coach Mike Elko in a statement on Sunday. The injury, while not currently specified, is a season-ender for Owens, according to ESPN.
"Rueben Owens suffered a lower leg injury in our scrimmage on Saturday," head football coach Mike Elko said in a statement Sunday night. "I will address his injury at my next media availability."
The five-star running back from El Campo led SEC freshmen in rushing yards and kick return yards at 385 and 249 respectively in 2023. He was also shaping up to be a major contributor in new offensive coordinator Colin Klein's offense that would see all three backs heavily leaned on to generate yards and scores this upcoming season.
Despite the loss, A&M will still be able to rely on Amari Daniels and Le'Veon Moss, albeit more heavily than previously projected prior to Owens' injury. Both returning backs played last season and had five or more touchdowns. Moss and Daniels won't be alone in driving forward the Aggies' rushing attack this season, as they also picked up EJ Smith, son of legendary NFL running back Emmitt Smith, via the transfer portal in the offseason from Stanford.
During his time with the Stanford Cardinals, Smith rushed for over 500 yards and five touchdowns in 24 games.
Texas A&M, who was recently revealed as the No. 20 team in the AP Top 25 preseason college football poll, will open their season against No. 7 Notre Dame at home on Aug. 31.