Texas Tech wide receiver Caleb Douglas found himself sidelined after sustaining a knee injury during practice this week. The injury occurred during a routine non-contact drill, immediately halting the session as teammates and trainers rushed to his side. Witnesses described Douglas collapsing awkwardly while making a sharp cut on a route, grabbing at his knee as he fell to the turf. Though there was no apparent collision, the reaction from Douglas and the staff suggested the injury could be significant.
Douglas, a recent transfer to Texas Tech, had been impressing coaches and teammates alike with his quick adaptation to the Red Raiders’ offense. His chemistry with the quarterbacks was growing steadily, and he was expected to play a major role in the receiving corps this season. Known for his crisp route running and sure hands, Douglas had been projected as a key piece in what many hoped would be a high-powered passing attack.
After being helped off the field by trainers, Douglas was taken for further evaluation. Early indications suggest a knee ligament injury, though the severity will not be fully known until after MRI results are reviewed. Head coach Joey McGuire expressed his concern for Douglas in his post-practice media availability, emphasizing the young receiver’s hard work and resilience. “You hate to see something like that happen to a kid who’s been doing everything right,” McGuire said. “He’s been busting his tail since he got here, and we’re praying for the best news possible.”
The injury casts a shadow over Texas Tech’s spring preparations, as Douglas was not only poised to make an impact on the field but also emerged as a vocal leader in the locker room. His energy and focus had been infectious during workouts and team meetings, and his absence, whether short or long-term, will be felt both on and off the field.
If Douglas is forced to miss extended time, the Red Raiders will have to adjust their depth chart and look to younger, less experienced receivers to step up. Still, McGuire remained hopeful, saying the team would rally around Douglas and support him through whatever recovery process lies ahead. “Caleb’s the kind of guy who will attack rehab the same way he attacks everything else—with toughness and a positive attitude,” McGuire said. “We’ll be behind him every step of the way.”
Douglas himself has not yet made a public statement regarding the injury. Sources close to the program describe him as staying upbeat despite the setback, focusing on the next steps rather than dwelling on what has happened. Texas Tech fans, teammates, and coaches alike are all anxiously awaiting updates, hoping the young receiver’s road back to the field will be shorter than feared.
