Tennessee running back Daune Morris will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after sustaining a leg injury in an overnight car accident, CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz confirmed. The No. 8 Volunteers face a significant blow as they enter the final stretch of their regular-season schedule.
Morris, Tennesseeās second-leading rusher behind DeSean Bishop, had accumulated 434 yards and three touchdowns this season. His absence leaves a gap in the Volunteersā backfield just as they prepare to face Texas A&M on Saturday, a game critical for their College Football Playoff hopes.
The 21-year-old running back had a strong start to the season, posting impressive performances against Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State, rushing for 98 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries in the former, then 116 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries in the latter. However, his production slowed at the start of SEC play. He regained form in Tennesseeās recent win over Kentucky, rushing for 85 yards and scoring a 66-yard touchdown on just five carries.
This injury compounds Tennesseeās troubles after losing sack leader Tyree Weathersby to a knee injury in the victory against Kentucky. The Volunteers have relied on quarterback George MacIntyre since moving away from Faizon Brandon. MacIntyre has led Tennessee to three wins in the last four games despite not throwing a touchdown in his previous three outings, which puts more pressure on the running game to carry the offense.
With Morris sidelined, sophomore Javin Gordon moves up the depth chart. Gordon has recorded 129 yards on 28 carries this season but has yet to establish himself as a consistent feature back.
Tennesseeās upcoming opponent, Texas A&M, has struggled through its own difficult season, losing their last three conference games. The Volunteers will need to adapt quickly without Morris if they want to maintain their position in the playoff conversation.
The Volunteers are now tasked with navigating the final three games of the regular season without two of their key defensive and offensive contributors. The teamās response to these setbacks will shape their postseason prospects.
According to Yahoo Sports.
