In a best-case scenario, the Texas Longhorns could have All-American junior left tackle Connor Williams available against the Kansas Jayhawks on November 11, head coach Tom Herman said on Monday during his media availability.

However, a more realistic return date is the following week against West Virginia, which could be a key game to provide some insurance against missing bowl eligibility with a loss in the season finale against Texas Tech.

Williams suffered sprained knee ligaments and a torn meniscus early in the game against USC and hasn’t played since. Opting for a non-surgical treatment on his sprained MCL has allowed him to continue rehabilitation in the hopes of returning this season, and that decision is apparently paying off.

On Monday, Williams participated in on-field drills in cleats for the first time since his injury and how he progresses over the next week will be critical.

Left tackle has been a major issue for the ‘Horns since Williams went down, with senior Tristan Nickelson and then sophomore Denzel Okafor struggling especially in pass protection. In that area, Williams is one of the best in the country, and even at 80 percent or so would likely still be more effective than either of the other two options.

So suffice it to say that getting Williams back on the field would be big news for the ‘Horns.