NCAA Update: Texas Longhorns Tight End Gunnar Helm Suffers Right Ankle Injury at the.read more.
Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm, a standout performer throughout his college career, made waves at the 2025 NFL Combine but faced a setback during the event. While participating in a routine drill, Helm suffered a painful twist to his right ankle, which left many spectators concerned about his ability to continue his performance.
The injury occurred during one of the more intense drills, designed to evaluate a player’s agility, speed, and ability to change direction quickly—skills that are crucial for a tight end in today’s NFL. Helm, known for his size, hands, and ability to make plays in both the passing and blocking game, appeared to twist his ankle awkwardly as he pivoted. His immediate reaction suggested significant discomfort, but, despite the injury, he did not immediately exit the drill.
Helm, who had been one of the more highly anticipated tight end prospects coming into the combine, had a stellar senior season for the Longhorns. He finished with 786 receiving yards and multiple touchdown receptions in 2024, showing off his ability to make big plays and contribute as a reliable target in the passing game. Many NFL scouts had their eyes on him, hoping to see more of the same at the Combine. However, the injury raised questions about his durability and whether it could hinder his draft stock.
After the incident, Helm was seen limping off the field with medical personnel attending to him. Early reports suggest that the injury was diagnosed as a sprained ankle, though the severity of the sprain is yet to be fully assessed. Given the nature of the injury, Helm’s participation in the rest of the Combine’s drills was limited. It remains to be seen how the injury will impact his prospects moving forward, as teams will now likely monitor his recovery closely in the coming weeks.
NFL teams had already been interested in Helm due to his unique skill set—combining athleticism with solid blocking ability, which is valuable for teams looking for versatile players who can contribute both in the passing game and in the run game. If Helm’s injury proves to be a mild sprain with no long-term implications, he could still be a highly sought-after prospect come draft time. However, any setbacks during the Combine can make scouts and general managers think twice, particularly as teams are looking for players who can stay healthy and compete at the highest level.
As Helm recovers, many eyes will be on his medical reports and any further evaluations to determine if he’s fully recovered by the time NFL teams are making their final draft decisions. The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and Gunnar Helm’s journey to professional football may depend heavily on how quickly he can heal from this injury.
