Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko recently offered a much‑anticipated update on the health and recovery status of his talented running back corps, delivering encouraging news that could significantly shape the team’s offense heading into the fall. Elko delivered his remarks during the Fort Worth Coach’s Night event, held as the Aggies continue their build toward the upcoming season. Among his comments, Elko expressed strong confidence in the progress of both Le’Veon Moss and Rueben Owens II—two of the program’s marquee backs who overcame serious injuries last year.
“Rueben Owens is back and healthy,” Elko announced, according to TexAgs. Reflecting on what Owens has endured, the coach acknowledged the lengthy and challenging road the sophomore from El Campo has traveled, praising his resilience in returning to full strength. The southpaw’s Lisfranc fracture, sustained during fall camp nearly a year ago, threatened to derail his sophomore campaign entirely. Though he managed to return late in the season for the Texas game and the Las Vegas Bowl, the injury sidelined him for virtually the entire year. Elko noted that Owens’ rehab efforts have paid off, with the young back “battling before he was back to 100 percent.” si.com+10si.com+10facebook.com+10
Owens, once a five‑star recruit and early breakout talent, rushed for 385 yards and three touchdowns in his freshman season—earning national attention before being felled by injury in 2024. His reemergence is vital for the Aggies’ backfield depth, especially as the team aims to emphasize a power‑run identity in the SEC once again. As Elko underlined, the aggressive mindset Owens has maintained throughout recovery is equally important: He hasn’t simply been patching up an injury; he’s been preparing to reassert himself among the elite backs in college football.
Equally exciting for Aggies fans is Moss’ return. “It’s great to have Le’Veon Moss back and healthy. He looks awesome,” Elko said. The senior, who hails from Louisiana, endured a devastating knee injury that prematurely ended his 2024 season after nine games. Moss had emerged as the team’s lead back, earning All‑SEC honors with 765 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns before going down. Though he missed spring practice, current reports suggest he’s back to running at full speed and poised to rejoin the rotation once fall camp begins. si.com
The degree of caution employed in Moss’ return is indicative of Texas A&M’s careful approach. One insider report from Fort Worth’s event mentioned that Moss will abstain from contact until midway through fall camp, a detail underscoring the program’s commitment to long‑term health over short‑term gain. By allowing Moss to build confidence through controlled rehab and conditioning before hitting the full collision drills, the Aggies are prioritizing a full and sustainable recovery rather than risking another setback. sports.yahoo.com
Alongside these two, Amari Daniels continues to round out what is quickly becoming a third pillar for the Aggies’ ground game. Daniels posted 661 yards and eight touchdowns last season, anchoring the trio and filling key roles when other backs were sidelined. Though not specifically mentioned in the recent comments, Daniels sat out part of spring due to lingering injury concerns, but was able to rejoin late in camp—an encouraging sign that all three backs are trending upward health-wise. Athletic analysts believe this trio—Moss, Owens, and Daniels—positions the Aggies to return to one of the SEC’s most formidable and balanced rushing attacks. si.com+2statesman.com+2houstonchronicle.com+2
To fully appreciate the significance of this news, it helps to recall the injuries that crippled what was expected to be a breakout year for Texas A&M’s running backs. In fall camp 2024, Rueben Owens fractured his Lisfranc, effectively sidelining him for the entire campaign. Le’Veon Moss followed suit later in the year, suffering a season‑ending knee injury after only nine games. Only Daniels remained healthy and productive, thrust into the centerpiece role. Despite this adversity, the Aggies finished second in the SEC in rushing yards per game (195.5) and maintained a powerful running identity. si.com
Yet any chance for a true championship push involves greater durability and sustained production from the entire backfield. That’s where Elko’s latest announcement carries real weight. Having Moss and Owens at full capability reunites a powerful Nationals-backfield triumvirate: One that combines Moss’ explosive north‑south running style, Owens’ elusive burst, and Daniels’ rugged toughness. Competition for the starting job—definitely Moss’ to lose as the elder statesman, but deserving of challenge—will sharpen the unit, while their collective abilities offer offensive coordinator Jeff Banks flexibility across schemes and situations.
Elko’s focus on structured rehab and cautious reintroduction also reflects a mature approach to player care, a shift that is both philosophically and practically sound. His indication that Moss will refrain from contact until mid‑camp reveals confidence in the process and acknowledges the need for comprehensive physical readiness before game-level intensity. It prevents rushed comebacks and emphasizes strategic competence. It’s an approach that may well pay dividends not just for player safety, but for on-field production.
Another factor is the presence of veteran associate head coach and running back coach Trooper Taylor. Taylor joined Elko’s staff after the coach’s return from Duke. With decades of experience nurturing elite running talent, Taylor’s guidance is undoubtedly crucial to accelerating Owens and Moss’s return to full form. Though undiscussed in recent media, Taylor’s imprint on their conditioning, technique, and mental preparation should not be overlooked.
Looking ahead, Texas A&M begins fall camp in late July, where Moss will still wait until mid‑camp to engage in full contact drills. Owens, conversely, is presumably ready to run with the pack from day one, which sets up a potential early heavy role for him while Moss builds back his collision resilience. That arrangement could allow Daniels—and potentially other depth backs like true freshmen Morrow and Riden, both three‑star recruits—to rotate more effectively without burning out. While Moss still commands a firm favorite status for the starter slot, the competition and rotations may allow for a more durable and unpredictable backfield scheme.
Beyond camp, the regular season looms with key matchups including the road trip to Notre Dame, an SEC clash at LSU, and the annual rivalry game against Texas. The success of Texas A&M’s rushing attack will be critical not only in game control and clock management, but also as a stress‑relief valve for its developing passing game under new starter Marcel Reed. Reed is expected to take the next step as a passer, but his growth will be complemented by the confidence of a physical running front that can wear down defenses over four quarters.
Off the field, Elko has framed the program as entering a more mature phase after a turbulent 2024 season that started 7‑1 but stumbled late, with losses to South Carolina, Auburn, Texas, and a bowl defeat to USC. A deeper, healthier backfield helps address one key area of last year’s declines—late‑game fatigue and vulnerability to physical opponents. Keeping Moss and Owens healthy should reduce wear on the line and improve depth across offensive units, creating better game control and adaptability. statesman.comhoustonchronicle.com
Importantly, Elko’s tone suggests cautious optimism rather than unbridled confidence. He acknowledges the “long road” that Owens traveled and emphasizes that Moss “has done an unbelievable job of rehab.” These aren’t throwaway lines—they indicate genuine acknowledgment of the severity of their injuries and the discipline required for full returns. The coach clearly values patience and proper ramp‑up, signaling that his staff is prioritizing sustainable performance over premature play.
One question now is how their health protocols will translate into the fall—particularly around contact practices, joint workload during scrimmages, and early season game scripts. Will Moss be held out of high‑impact drills until well into August? Will Owens be leaned on from the start? How will Daniels and the younger backs be managed to avoid recurrence of injuries? Elko’s comments suggest the answers lie in measured gradualism, and early fall snapshots will help clarify how this backfield shapes up before the opener.
While Moss, Owens, and Daniels are the focus, particularly in light of their injuries, the room’s depth will also merit watch. True freshman recruits Morrow and Riden bring additional options and athleticism, and later in the camp, they may insert themselves into situational packages. Although the article doesn’t mention them explicitly, their presence represents necessary insurance in a physically punishing offense.
Overall, Elko’s most recent health update sends positive signals. Texas A&M could soon return to boasting one of the SEC’s most dangerous and deep running back rooms. The return to health of Moss and Owens dramatically shifts the offensive dynamic: Suddenly, the clock-control, play‑action, and red‑zone power elements of Aggies football become decidedly more lethal. Complemented by a deep offensive line and potential growth in Reed’s passing accuracy, the Aggies look better positioned than last year to contend in the conference and potentially crack the College Football Playoff conversation.
The comeback narratives of Owens and Moss also bolster team culture and cohesion. Few stories inspire more than star players returning from serious injury through hard work and dedication. This resilience sets the tone for a team reestablishing identity after a tough finish in 2024. Their returns will be rallying points throughout camp and early season, providing momentum and unity as Texas A&M works to consistently perform at peak levels in every quarter.
In sum, Elko’s updates confirm that both Rueben Owens and Le’Veon Moss have overcome major injury setbacks and are approaching full readiness. While Daniels continues to contribute as a dependable veteran, the rebounding duo of Moss and Owens could elevate the Aggies into a new echelon of offensive tempo and strength. How this translates into wins will depend on careful management during camp, depth maintenance, and early season execution—but the groundwork is set for one of the SEC’s most dynamic backfields. The Aggies—and college football fans—are waiting with eager anticipation to see how this regained health reshapes their offensive narrative in 2025.
