Daune Morris out for season after overnight crash

Tennessee running back Daune Morris will miss the rest of the season after suffering a broken leg and other non-life-threatening injuries in an overnight car crash, the university said.

Knoxville Police Department records obtained by Volquest show Morris was cited for reckless driving after his 2021 Dodge sedan struck a fire hydrant and four parked cars at Jason Lewis Automotive on Kingston Pike shortly after midnight Friday. The car overturned and came to rest on its roof.

Morris told officers he lost control while turning right from Gallaher View onto Kingston Pike with the car’s traction control turned off. The report cited rain and wet roads, and stated that alcohol and drugs were not involved.

Morris, 19, was taken by ambulance to UT Medical Center. Two passengers declined medical attention at the scene, and the police report stated that everyone in the car was wearing a seatbelt.

The injury removes a productive option from Tennessee’s backfield. Morris had 66 carries for 434 yards and three touchdowns this season, including a 66-yard touchdown run in the Volunteers’ win against Kentucky.

No. 9 Tennessee enters Saturday’s road game against Texas A&M at 7-2 overall and 4-2 in SEC play, while the Aggies are 4-5 overall and 1-5 in the conference.

Why it matters

Tennessee loses a running back who had produced 434 yards and three touchdowns on 66 carries this season. His absence begins with the No. 9 Volunteers’ road game at Texas A&M.

What to watch next

Tennessee plays at Texas A&M on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN, the first of its final three regular-season games.