Tennessee running back Daune Morris will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after breaking his leg in an early-morning single-vehicle crash on Friday in Knoxville.
The sophomore ball carrier sustained non-life-threatening injuries when his vehicle struck a fire hydrant and four parked cars before overturning onto its roof, according to records from the Knoxville Police Department cited by Fox News. Police cited Morris for reckless driving following the incident near Kingston Pike and North Gallaher View Road.
Tennessee running back Daune Morris is expected to miss the rest of the season due to a leg injury that he sustained in an overnight car accident, sources tell @CBSSports. Had run for 434 yards this season for the No. 8 ranked Vols. pic.twitter.com/2SXaYv3g63
“Tennessee running back Daune Morris was involved in a one-vehicle accident off campus early Friday morning,” a university spokesperson told CBS Sports. “He sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including a broken leg, and is resting comfortably. We wish Daune the best in his recovery.”
Backfield Impact for the Volunteers
Losing Morris hurts the eighth-ranked Volunteers as they play the final games of the Southeastern Conference schedule. Morris had established himself as a productive change-of-pace option behind star running back DeSean Bishop, rushing for 434 yards and three touchdowns on 66 carries over nine games while adding six receptions for 35 yards.
UPDATE: Tennessee RB Daune Morris cited for reckless driving following a car crash, per police report. He struck a fire hydrant and four parked cars in a collision that flipped his vehicle on its roof. Morris will miss the Texas A&M game.https://t.co/NiCWARPFU9
Just last week, Morris delivered a standout performance in a 34-6 victory over Kentucky, rushing five times for 85 yards, which included a 66-yard touchdown scamper in the opening quarter.
“Seeing Daune get in there and do what he does, man, that was really good,” Vols running backs coach De'Rail Sims said on Tuesday.
Police report says Morris cited for reckless driving, hit four parked cars and a fire hydrant and flipped his car just after midnight. He suffered a broken leg and will miss the rest of the season. Grateful it wasn’t worse. https://t.co/mVUIsXG1EM
“Young guy that through the course of spring, you guys know that we have liked, I've liked where he's grown and matured and what he's done,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said of progress he's seen from Morris earlier this season.
Rotation Adjustments Ahead of Texas a&M
With Morris sidelined alongside previously injured sack leader Tyree Weathersby, Tennessee turns its attention to depth pieces in the offensive backfield. Sophomore Javin Gordon is expected to step into an expanded role alongside Bishop for Saturday’s matchup against Texas A&M.
Daune Morris was cited for reckless driving and taken to UT Medical Center with suspected minor injuries after an overnight car accident, according to KPD records. Morris' lost control making a right turn, hitting a fire hydrant and four parked cars.https://t.co/hFdyk8vuD0
Gordon has recorded 28 carries for 129 yards this season, returning to action following a setback earlier in the fall. Additional backup contributions will be weighed from Justin Baker and Hunter Barnes as the team prepares for the remaining regular-season schedule.
According to police records, the 2021 Dodge Charger driven by Morris was traveling northbound on Kingston Pike from North Gallaher View Road shortly after midnight when the driver attempted a right turn and accelerated. The vehicle’s traction control was reportedly turned off, leading the rear wheels to spin as the driver lost control near the roadway.
Two passengers were inside the vehicle at the time of the collision, and both declined medical treatment following the incident. Law enforcement officials confirmed that no drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash, though no chemical tests were administered.
Following the accident, emergency responders transported Morris to the UT Medical Center for evaluation and treatment of his injuries.
The program enters the weekend holding a 7-2 overall record and a 4-2 mark within the conference. The Volunteers stand at No. 8 in the national rankings and control their path toward the postseason with three regular-season contests remaining on the schedule.
Bishop leads the offensive attack as the conference’s second-leading rusher, accumulating 1,066 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. With Morris unavailable to share the load, the coaching staff anticipates leaning heavily on Bishop throughout both halves of upcoming games.
Gordon, a sophomore transfer who previously played for Tulane, stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 212 pounds. He figures to absorb the primary backup duties, averaging additional snaps to spell the starting back during SEC play.
Other reserve options in the running back room include Justin Baker and Hunter Barnes. Baker posted impressive early-season totals against non-conference opponents, collecting 89 yards and a touchdown on three carries against Furman.
The team faces a hostile environment at Kyle Field for the meeting with the Aggies. Saturday’s kickoff precedes upcoming matchups against LSU and an in-state contest against Vanderbilt to close out the regular-season slate.
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