Running back Malcolm Brown will miss Saturday’s game against West Virginia because of a left ankle sprain, UT athletics reported Tuesday.

Brown sprained his left ankle the first time he touched the ball during the Longhorns’ conference opener against Oklahoma State on Saturday. He had limited playing time and finished the game with three rushes for seven yards.

Brown is the second leading rushing behind sophomore Joe Bergeron with 245 total yards on 40 attempts and three touchdowns.

Although Brown’s loss will be difficult for the offense, his teammates are ready to lead the running game.

“With Malcolm out now, the rest of the guys in our room, Joe [Bergeron], myself, Johnathan [Gray], Robo [Ryan Roberson], Chet [Moss], Alex De La Torre, everybody has to step up to try to fill that void for this week,” senior running back Jeremy Hills said.

Last season the running back corps struggled with injuries. During the Longhorns’ loss to Missouri, Brown, Bergeron and senior Fozzy Whittaker were all injured. The injuries exposed the Longhorns’ offense, and they failed to score a touchdown.

Bergeron and Gray, who is a true freshman, will need to step up. The loss of Brown will be tough for the Longhorns but not as devastating as it was last year. On Saturday Gray led the running backs with 68 yards on 12 carries.

“I was excited Johnathan Gray came in for Malcolm Brown and did a tremendous job late in the ball game,” head coach Mack Brown said. “I think he obviously has earned the right to play early in a ball game.”

Printed on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 as: Brown out this week vs. WVU with hurt ankle