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Mike Elko drops hint that Aggies could be getting sorely-missed player back from injury

This could be a game-changer for the Aggies.
ByGraham Harmon|
Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Reuben Fatheree II (76) in action during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Reuben Fatheree II (76) in action during the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Texas A&M has, to this point in the season, been playing with one hand tied behind their back at their best position.

The Aggies' offensive line came into the year as their most senior and experienced unit, and through a few games thus far, they've lived up to their billing. Marcel Reed has had a lot of clean pockets to throw from, even against teams like Notre Dame, and the run game has generated great push up front.

The remarkable thing is that they've done this without the help of one of their top players at the position. Reuben Fatheree, a fifth-year swing tackle out of Richmond, Texas, has missed the first three games due to an injury sustained during fall camp. However, after rehabbing for the first month of the season, it looks like he may be back for this upcoming game against Auburn— and Mike Elko sounded hopeful during his Monday press availability.

Mike Elko says Reuben Fatheree is "really close" to returning for Texas A&M football

The signs are positive for Fatheree right now, according to the Aggies' head man:

Getting Fatheree back would be great news for the Aggies, as they have been without a full complement up until this point. His versatility allows for Texas A&M to operate a complete plan with the OL, which they have been unable to do up until this point.

Fatheree's career has been up and down at Texas A&M— he leapt off the screen as a true freshman, neutralizing Will Anderson in the legendary win over Alabama in 2021, but regressed under Steve Addazio. 2024 was big for him, as he returned to form in a huge way for the Aggies under the tutelage of Adam Cushing.

With that in mind, his return could allow the Aggies to use some personnel packages that they haven't yet been able to do. Though he likely won't be back in full measure until later in the season, I think getting him back in the boat for this game, even in limited capacity, will be a blessing to the Aggies' offensive operation.

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