Tennessee will have to get through Saturday’s matchup with No. 1 Texas without one of its running back options, as Javin Gordon is expected to sit out with a leg injury.
According to a report from Thamel, "Sources: Tennessee back-up tailback Javin Gordon (leg) is out for the game against No. 1 Texas.
(He also didn’t play last week against Kennesaw). Tennessee starting defensive lineman Nathan Robinson (undisclosed) is a game-time decision.
He’ll warm-up and be evaluated to see if he can play. Robinson started Tennessee’s first two games.
Gordon has 20 carries for 79 yards this year," Thamel said.
It’s a notable setback for the Volunteers because it marks the second straight week Gordon will be unavailable. That leaves even more responsibility on DeSean Bishop, who is now the clear focal point in the backfield.
Bishop has already established himself as one of the more dependable running backs in the SEC, and Tennessee is going to lean on that trust in a hurry. But depth is part of surviving in this league, and Bishop can’t carry the entire load alone. The Vols need someone behind him who can step in and keep the offense moving.
Daune Morris looks like the next man up. Over the last two weeks, he’s made the most of his chances with some explosive runs and was Tennessee’s standout performer a week ago.
The challenge gets steeper now, though, with this being the first SEC game of the season and Morris being asked to handle a bigger role. Still, that’s the job he signed up for.
Hunter Barnes is another back Tennessee can turn to if the wear and tear starts to show. The fifth-year player gave the Vols a reason to trust him last week, especially in key moments, and he could be in line for an even bigger role if fatigue or injuries begin to pile up.
So while Gordon’s absence doesn’t completely derail Tennessee, it does strip away a piece the Vols were expecting to use heavily on Saturday.
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