Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton left the game twice during Saturday’s highly-anticipated showdown against Utah. First, Morton briefly left Saturday’s game after taking a big hit on an RPO, raising concerns about his health. Morton exited for two plays while backup Will Hammond came in, but he quickly returned to the field. Even so, Morton was visibly wincing and appeared to be playing through pain, giving Red Raiders fans something to monitor moving forward.
The play in question occurred in the first half when Morton handed the ball off to the running back, but he was met head-on by a defender. The collision left him slow to get up, and the Texas Tech medical staff immediately checked on him. Although he was not taken into the injury tent or evaluated further, his discomfort was obvious on the sideline and during his return to the huddle.
Update: Morton then left the game for good in the second half, when he failed to slide and took this hit. Morton has been ruled out for the game.
Hammond has been leading the Red Raider since this hit.
Morton has been central to Texas Tech’s offense since taking over as the full-time starter, and his availability is crucial for a program trying to find consistency in the Big 12 race. His ability to extend plays with his legs and deliver accurate passes downfield gives the Red Raiders a different dynamic when he is on the field. Playing hurt would limit that effectiveness and could affect how the staff calls plays, particularly in a physical matchup against Utah’s defense.
Injuries have been a storyline for Morton in the past. He battled through issues last season but still managed to give the Red Raiders stability at quarterback down the stretch. Texas Tech fans have seen him gut through pain before, but the question will be whether he can continue to operate at a high level if the discomfort lingers.
