Texas A&M’s quarterback Conner Weigman will not start in the Aggies’ SEC opener against Florida due to a shoulder injury.
Weigman was listed on coach Mike Elko’s injury report for the first time on Thursday night. After warming up before Saturday’s game, Elko decided to reserve him for a backup position. Reports indicate that Weigman is struggling with an upper-body injury, specifically affecting his throwing shoulder.
In his absence, backup quarterback Marcel Reed will make his first career start as a sophomore. The former four-star recruit from Tennessee had limited playing time in 2023 until participating in the Texas Bowl. Reed stepped in when starting quarterback Jaylen Henderson was injured during the first play against Oklahoma State, allowing the true freshman to gain considerable experience.
Despite a slow start, Reed finished that game with 361 passing yards on 20 completions out of 33 attempts, along with a rushing touchdown. He played most of the second half against McNeese State last weekend, completing 5 of 11 passes for 71 yards and adding 43 rushing yards.
Though Weigman’s injury is a setback for A&M, analysts suggest that Reed may fit well into the offensive scheme devised by coordinator Collin Klein, potentially minimizing the impact of the starting quarterback’s absence.
The Aggies will look to Reed to help end a 10-game road losing streak as they prepare to face the Gators in Gainesville.