Though the Texas Tech football team's 53-48 victory over West Virginia last week was a classic Big 12 shootout, it was also a physical contest. Now, the Red Raiders head into a massive game at Oklahoma State with some serious concerns at the running back position.
Wednesday, the Big 12 released the initial injury report for both teams, and Texas Tech fans immediately had to notice the situation in the backfield. Both of starting RB J'Koby Williams' backups, Quinten Joyner and Cam Dickey, showed up on the report.
Joyner is listed as "Out" for Saturday night. Meanwhile, Dickey is listed as "Questionable" to play against the Cowboys.
Both of those players were banged up against West Virginia, each with ankle injuries. (Of course, Dickey has been dealing with a high ankle sprain since the Colorado game back on October 3.) That left Williams as the only healthy option to close out the game.
Initial availability report for No. 12 Texas Tech and No. 25 Oklahoma State: pic.twitter.com/GxAXCy070D
— Keith Inglis (@KeithInglisDT) November 12, 2026
As a result, he carried the ball 19 times, which was the third-most rushing attempts he's had in a game in his college career. What's more, with three receptions mixed in, his 22 total touches tied his career high.
Certainly, Williams appeared to lose some steam as the game wore on. He was nowhere near as explosive in the fourth quarter as we know he can be.
Remember, Williams is only 180 pounds. He isn't built to grind away between the tackles and pick up tough yards against heavy boxes. However, with Joyner out this week and Dickey questionable, that might be what he is asked to do. If Dickey can't give the Red Raiders some carries this weekend, it will likely be a true freshman who must step up.
Texas Tech may have to turn to true freshman "Ace" Rowden
The other option at running back behind Dickey and Joyner is Ashton "Ace" Rowden, a true freshman from Texarkana, Texas. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder is built to pick up tough yards, but he is also low on college experience.
A 4-star signee in Texas Tech's most recent recruiting class, he was the No. 21 high school running back in America when he signed with the Red Raiders. However, the plan was never to force him into meaningful action this year.
So far in 2026, the youngster has carried the ball just seven times for 18 yards. He has appeared in only the Sam Houston, Colorado, and Arizona State games.
The concern with a freshman running back might not be what initially comes to mind, though. Carrying the football is something he can do well enough to contribute.
Rather, where it gets questionable with an inexperienced back is in the passing game. Specifically, it is fair to wonder whether he can be trusted to be a reliable blocker when opposing teams send extra pass rushers after the quarterback.
Fortunately, quarterback Thomas Castellanos is extremely mobile in the pocket. His quickness and elusiveness can make up for some breakdowns in protection.
However, it isn't wise to ask Castellanos to be Houdini too often. That's when plays break down, and mistakes become more likely.
Hopefully, Dickey will be able to play this Saturday night. If he doesn't, though, Rowden will have to step up and give the Red Raiders some quality snaps. That could be a dicey proposition in a must-win game for Texas Tech.
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