The Texas A&M Aggies have dealt with multiple injuries at wide receiver this season, something that started during fall camp.
They also parted ways with receiver Jerome Myles, who left the program before the season while dealing with personal matters.
Now, Texas A&M is getting hit with another notable absence at receiver, as Ashton Bethel-Roman did not attend Saturday's home game against The Citadel due to personal reasons, per reports from Carter Karels of On3. He is being "given space" by the team to deal with the matter.
Bethel-Roman previously dealt with an injury before recently making his return. After a notable impact last year as the team's No. 3 receiver, he's tallied just seven catches for 56 yards so far this season.
Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko leaves the field after the first half against the Missouri Tigers during the first half of the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Along with Bethel-Roman and Craver, the Aggies have a long list of players who did not dress out for the matchup with The Citadel, which also includes wideout Kelshaun Johnson.
This leaves Isaiah Horton and Aaron Gregory responsible as the top pass catchers for Marcel Reed.
Here's the list:
- WR Mario Craver
- WR Ashton Bethel-Roman
- WR Kelshaun Johnson
- OL Trovon Baugh
- DE Anto Saka
- DT DJ Hicks
- LB Daymion Sanford
Perhaps this was a decision by the coaching staff to give some players deeper on the depth chart a chance at notable snaps against an FCS opponent. Either way, the most important absence was Bethel-Roman given that his designation was not injury related.
It remains to be seen when Bethel-Roman will return to the team, if at all. Fans didn't have to wait long for an update from Mike Elko, who spoke to reporters briefly about it after the game.
Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman (8) runs a route during the second half against the Missouri State Bears at Kyle Field. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Elko kept the matter private, but his comments made it appear that Bethel-Roman could be dealing with something that is worth taking seriously.
"I am going to leave that one alone. He is going through some things, so we will keep praying for him," Elko said."
If Bethel-Roman misses more games moving forward, the Aggies will continue to lean on Isaiah Horton and Mario Craver along with increased reps from freshman Aaron Gregory. Texas A&M is without Terry Bussey and Madden Williams for the rest of the season.
Texas A&M visits the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa next weekend.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/tamu as Texas A&M WR Ashton Bethel-Roman Not With Team Due to Personal Reasons .
