Texas Tech enters Saturday night's Big 12 showdown against West Virginia with two wide receivers ruled out, but the Red Raiders received encouraging news elsewhere on their injury report.

Coach Joey McGuire's team will be without Jalen Jones and Malcolm Simmons when the Mountaineers visit Galaxy Stadium for an 8:30 p.m. CT kickoff on ESPN.

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However, starting receiver Kenny Johnson and several defensive contributors have been cleared to play, according to the latest Big 12 availability updates.

Jones remains sidelined after missing multiple games, while Simmons will miss his second consecutive contest.

Simmons, an Auburn transfer, had been approaching an expanded starting role before missing last week's 34-26 victory over Arizona.

His absence removes another speed option from an offense still adjusting to quarterback Tommy Castellanos.

Freshman Chase Campbell helped fill Simmons' role against Arizona and could receive additional opportunities Saturday.

The biggest positive development is Johnson's availability.

Johnson initially appeared as questionable before improving to probable Thursday and officially available Friday.

The Pittsburgh transfer leads Texas Tech with 35 receptions for 548 yards and two touchdowns.

His return gives Castellanos a proven downfield target alongside Coy Eakin and tight end Terrance Carter Jr.

OUT

  • WR Jalen Jones
  • WR Malcolm Simmons

AVAILABLE

  • WR Kenny Johnson
  • OLB Ansel Nedore
  • S Mikal Harrison-Pilot
  • S Peyton Morgan
  • S Miquel Dingle Jr.
  • S Marcus Ramon-Edwards
  • OL Jordan Church

Johnson, Nedore and Harrison-Pilot all improved from questionable earlier in the week before receiving clearance.

Morgan, Dingle, Ramon-Edwards and Church also progressed from probable to available.

The Mountaineers enter Saturday with several key absences, including quarterback Jyron Hughley and running backs Andre Devine and Lawrence Autry.

West Virginia's latest report lists Hughley, Devine, Autry, defensive lineman Darius Wiley, nickel defender Emory Snyder and safety Jacob Bradford as out.

Safety Da'Mare Williams remains probable.

The Mountaineers received positive news with receiver Armoni Weaver-Bomar, safety Matt Sieg and cornerback Nick Taylor cleared to play.

Texas Tech enters Saturday at 7-1 overall and 4-1 in Big 12 play, keeping the Red Raiders firmly in the conference championship and College Football Playoff discussion.

MORE: Texas Tech Faces Dangerous West Virginia Test With Playoff Hopes At Stake

The receiving injuries create additional pressure on Castellanos and the running game, but the improved availability across the offensive line and defense gives McGuire valuable flexibility.

With another critical Big 12 matchup approaching, Texas Tech must avoid allowing its depleted receiver rotation to become a season-defining problem.

Source: Yahoo Sports