Behren Morton injury update: Latest on Texas Tech QB's status vs. Iowa State
As he works his way back from a shoulder injury, Behren Morton’s status for Saturday’s game against No. 10 Iowa State is becoming clear. The Texas Tech quarterback had a “strong” practice on Tuesday and is expected to get the start, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported.
Morton suffered a shoulder injury last time out against TCU and didn’t return, perhaps throwing his status into question for Saturday’s game against undefeated Iowa State. Will Hammond came in to replace him as Texas Tech eventually fell 35-34.
Morton is in the midst of a huge senior season with the Red Raiders, putting up the best numbers of his career. Through eight games, he has 2,063 passing yards and 17 touchdowns – setting new career-highs in both categories.
Tuesday was an important day to determine if Morton would be able to play against Iowa State. Head coach Joey McGuire confirmed he didn’t suffer any structural damage against TCU, but practice would be the way to see if he could go.
“We’ll tell you, nothing structurally is wrong,” McGuire said, via the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s Nathan Giese. “He’s got a lot of movement back in it. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”
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At the time of his injury, Morton was 13-for-22 for 137 yards. Hammond then came in for the second time this year, and the freshman delivered an efficient performance. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown in the second half to keep Texas Tech in the game.
Hammond was impressive in just his second career game, and McGuire said he didn’t entirely rule out another appearance against Iowa State. That said, he also didn’t entirely count Morton out – although he’s still working through the pain.
“He’s pretty sore now,” McGuire said, via the Avalanche Journal’s Don Williams. “We are structurally sound, but I imagine he would tell you he wouldn’t want to go play a football game today. So I’m not ruling out playing Will Hammond Saturday. But I’m not going to rule out Behren Morton playing either.”