While Texas will have Arch Manning for its meeting with Vanderbilt, the Longhorns will play Saturday’s game without a key piece of their defense.

Defensive back Michael Taaffe was officially ruled out for Texas-Vanderbilt on Saturday morning. Taaffe was the only player listed on Texas’ availability report ahead of kickoff.

Taaffe returned to practice this week after a brief absence. He underwent surgery on his thumb after Texas’ win over Kentucky on Oct. 18. The defensive standout didn’t play in Texas’ victory over Mississippi State last week.

Steve Sarkisian hasn’t provided an exact timeline for Taaffe’s possible return.

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Before his injury, Taaffe had posted 51 total tackles, 28 solo tackles and one interception.

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