Injuries can shatter dreams on the gridiron, and when they strike a standout quarterback like Texas Tech's Behren Morton, it feels like the whole season hangs in the balance—drawing fans and experts alike into a whirlwind of worry and speculation.
As the Red Raiders gear up for a crucial showdown, let's dive into the latest on Morton's condition. According to reliable sources, the talented signal-caller is slated to be marked as "questionable" on the Big 12 injury report dropping Wednesday evening, just ahead of their Saturday clash at Arizona State. For those new to football lingo, "questionable" means he's dealing with an injury that might keep him sidelined, but he's not ruled out entirely—it's a gray area that often keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Morton has been navigating this setback on a day-to-day basis ever since he had to leave the field during Texas Tech's triumphant victory over Kansas last weekend. X-rays taken on his right ankle on Sunday came back clear of any fractures, offering a glimmer of hope. The incident occurred late in the second quarter when a Kansas lineman unintentionally tumbled onto Morton's ankle, causing the QB to grimace in agony as he hobbled to the sidelines and tried to shake it off with some light jogging.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is this just a minor bump, or could it signal a pattern of vulnerability that's starting to concern the coaching staff?
This isn't the first hurdle Morton has faced this season. Back in Week 4, he exited the matchup against Utah due to a neck injury, missing the bye week that followed. Fortunately, he bounced back strong, rejoining the lineup in Week 6 for the game against Houston. Even earlier, in the season opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Morton sustained a leg injury on the same limb, forcing him to watch from the sidelines during the second half. Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire has confirmed that Saturday's ankle issue affects that same leg, raising eyebrows about whether repeated wear and tear is catching up with the young gunslinger.
Despite these challenges, Morton's on-field prowess remains undeniable. He's racked up an impressive 1,501 passing yards, connecting on 13 touchdowns while tossing just three interceptions. His leadership is a cornerstone of the No. 7 Red Raiders' explosive offense, which leads the nation in yards per game at 558.2 and sits second in points scored per contest at 47.5—a testament to how crucial a healthy QB is to turning potential into points.
As an example, think of how QB injuries have derailed teams in past seasons; stars like Drew Brees or Peyton Manning faced similar setbacks that tested their resilience and team's depth, reminding us that football is as much about managing health as it is about talent.
Kickoff for this high-stakes battle against the Sun Devils is set for 4 p.m. ET on Saturday in Tempe, airing on FOX. Will Morton suit up and silence the doubters, or will the Red Raiders need to lean on their backups? And this is the part most people miss: Could pushing through such injuries lead to long-term damage, or is it just part of the grit that makes college football thrilling?
What do you think—should Morton risk playing, or is caution the wiser path? Do you agree with the view that QBs like him are sometimes asked to play through too much? Share your opinions in the comments below; let's discuss!
