Taq are you high? If the player wants to redshirt, you let him, if he doesn't you don't. If Howard and the coaches decide to forego the redshirt for Texas and the bowl game, then fair enough, but you don't make that decision with 3 minutes to go in a game in which you're down multiple scores, that's stupid.
I also think Trim's theory holds some weight. I wouldn't dismiss the possibility that Howard is planning on leaving, now I don't know why because as it sits now he's the starter for 2022, but if they bring in a transfer, he'll know by the end of spring ball whether or not they plan on starting him next fall. I think if Howard doesn't play next week, he might be looking to leave.
One thing to look out for next week and the bowl game is that I didn't see Max Marsh today, the QBs are right in front of my seats. That means if Howard doesn't play and Marsh is either hurt, gone, or whatever, Jake Rubley will be the backup for UT and the bowl game.