TCU running back Hicks may be held out of opener vs. Jackson State

Running back Kyle Hicks may not play in the season opener against Jackson State on Saturday, coach Gary Patterson said Monday during the Big 12 coaches conference call.

Hicks has been held out of contact in some of the fall practices, but Monday was the first time Patterson directly acknowledged an injury concern with the senior running back.

“He’s still not 100 percent,” Patterson said. “He may play, may not play. We’re going to see.”

Hicks rushed for 1,042 yards and caught 47 passes last year, leading the Horned Frogs in both categories — the first TCU player to do that since Basil Mitchell in 1996. Hicks’ receptions were the seventh-most nationally by a running back last season, and his 12 touchdowns rushing were second-most in the Big 12.

Running back Sewo Anderson missed time in camp with a knee hyperextension suffered the first week.

Patterson said freshman Kenedy Snell of Waxahachie has helped while the team was down to four healthy running backs.

“Great surprise in camp,” Patterson said. “He’s 10.3 in the 100. Creates quite a mismatch as a running back for linebackers, people who try to cover him man. He’s a tough kid, so he can run inside. He’s really been a big part of our running game while guys have been banged up. He’s done a great job, both him and Jalen Reagor have been awesome in camp, for freshmen.”

This story was originally published August 28, 2017 at 11:48 AM with the headline "TCU running back Hicks may be held out of opener vs. Jackson State."