Texas A&M loses two reserves for the 2026 season after season-ending injuries

Texas A&M’s 2026 roster picture took an early hit as the program announced that defensive tackle Chace Sims and running back Tiger Riden Jr. will miss the entire season with season-ending injuries, according to head coach Mike Elko. The update, first reported Thursday, leaves the Aggies working with reduced depth in two roles that often determine how well a team survives the grind of a full college football schedule.

Sims, a defensive tackle, is one of the latest additions to the list of players who will not be available during the 2026 season. For a defense, losing a reserve along the interior can be more than a depth-only concern, because defensive linemen are frequently rotated and are asked to absorb multiple run-fit responsibilities while keeping starters fresh.

Riden Jr., listed as a running back, will also be out for the year. In most Power Five offenses, the third-down back, change-of-pace option, and injury protection plan often involve reserve runners. With Riden Jr. unavailable, Texas A&M will need to distribute touches and snaps across the remaining backfield group, including any redshirt and walk-on development paths already in place.

The report cites On3’s Carter Karels in connection with the season-ending nature of both injuries. While those details provide clarity on what Texas A&M will be without, the broader circumstances of each injury are not detailed in the available reporting, and the program has not been able to mitigate the immediate loss of practice reps during the season’s run-up and early in-game rotations.

Texas A&M’s challenge now is practical roster management, not only replacing roles but also maintaining a functional rotation. Defensive line depth helps create continuity, especially against run-heavy opponents, while reliable backfield depth supports play-calling variety, ball-security stability, and consistency late in games when fatigue becomes a factor.

For fans and evaluators, the next step is watching how the Aggies respond in preparation and during live reps. Depth charts in fall camp, distribution in early-game workload, and the emergence of backups at defensive tackle and running back will shape how quickly Texas A&M can restore the depth it lost.