Tennessee running back Daune Morris will miss the Volunteers’ upcoming game at Texas A&M after being involved in a car accident late on November 12, a source told Knox News. The university has not officially confirmed Morris’ status, and the source requested anonymity.
Tennessee, currently ranked ninth in the nation with a 7-2 overall record and 5-2 in the SEC, faces Texas A&M on November 14 at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Vols enter the matchup with a series of injury setbacks, having already lost starting left guard Nic Moore and defensive end Tyree Weathersby. Moore was ruled out on the SEC availability report released November 12, while Weathersby, who leads Tennessee in sacks, suffered a season-ending knee injury in their 34-6 win over Kentucky on November 7.
Morris, a sophomore and former Oakland High standout from Murfreesboro, has been an important part of Tennessee’s backfield as the primary backup to Heisman Trophy candidate DeSean Bishop. Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 200 pounds, Morris has rushed 66 times for 434 yards and three touchdowns this season. He also has six receptions for 35 yards. His ability to provide a big-play threat was on display against Kentucky, where he broke off a career-long 66-yard touchdown run that helped spark the Volunteers.
With Morris sidelined, Tennessee will likely turn to Tulane transfer Javin Gordon to fill the void in the running back rotation. Gordon has 28 carries for 129 yards this season but missed four games around midseason due to injury. Bishop remains the workhorse back for Tennessee, rushing for 1,066 yards and 13 touchdowns, ranking 10th nationally. Together, Bishop, Morris, and Gordon have powered Tennessee’s rushing attack, which leads the SEC with an average of 216 yards per game.
The Volunteers face a challenging situation heading into this road game, needing to compensate for multiple key absences. The loss of Morris reduces depth in the backfield and further strains an offensive line missing a starter. Defensive end Weathersby’s absence also weakens Tennessee’s pass rush as they look to maintain momentum in the conference.
The full impact of Morris’ car accident has not been disclosed, and no further details about his condition or prognosis have been released by the team. Tennessee’s coaching staff and medical personnel will have to adjust their game plan without one of their rushing threats for Saturday’s contest against Texas A&M.
The Volunteers have not issued an official statement on Morris since the accident. Meanwhile, the team prepares for a matchup that will test their depth on both sides of the ball. The latest developments leave Tennessee with a depleted roster as they seek to protect their top-10 ranking and keep pace in the SEC race.
According to Yahoo Sports.
