COMMENTARY: Vols RB Morris' season ends with broken leg in car wreck

Just when Daune Morris was finding his niche as an impact player at running back, that world has turned upside down.

Morris, a sophomore running back from Chattanooga, lit the spark for Tennessee in last week’s win over Kentucky when he found a crease in the Wildcats defense and ran 66 yards for a touchdown late in the first quarter.

The Volunteers’ offense struggled through most of the first three quarters while Morris’ TD gave the only breathing room. After three quarters, Tennessee led, 13-6.

That’s when DeSean Bishop caught fire, scored two touchdowns, surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark, and the Vols went on to a 34-6 win.

Morris, however, won’t be available Saturday at Texas A&M because he was involved in a one-car wreck off campus early Friday morning and sustained a broken leg, according to a statement issued by the university. That, obviously, means Morris will be lost for the remainder of the season.

This new development doesn’t change Bishop from being the anchor of the running back position, but it means Javin Gordon will likely be called on to play an expanded role. Justin Baker, who sustained a hand injury early in the season, and Hunter Barnes may also get the call to play some snaps.

Morris has rushed for 434 yards and three touchdowns this season. Against Kennesaw State early in the season, rushed for 116 yards, surpassing that milestone for the first time in his collegiate career.

There have been no details as to the circumstances of the crash or whether or not the university would get involved.

Also, what Morris’ absence could do is expand the package that coach Josh Heupel has had for Faizon Brandon. The freshman quarterback, who appears to be recovered from a shoulder injury sustained in the Texas game, was used on just two snaps against Kentucky. The first, he ran for 29 yards. The second, he threw a short shovel pass to Mike Matthews who ran 24 yards for a touchdown.

While George MacIntyre has proven to be a solid game manager, it’s hard to have a talent like Brandon just gathering dust on the sidelines. Finding some way to utilize Brandon’s speed and elusiveness while keeping the offense running at a steady level is a fine line that Heupel is challenged with walking.

Morris is the ninth season-ending injury the Vols have endured this season. 

— A late addition to the injury list for the Texas A&M game has been Vols guard Nic Moore. He has been ruled out of the game, causing more problems for an already beleaguered offensive line.