Texas Tech’s Will Hammond Out for Season with Torn ACL

Texas Tech’s backup quarterback, Will Hammond, will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL in his right knee. The injury occurred during the Red Raiders’ dominant 42-0 victory against Oklahoma State on October 21, 2023. Hammond was stepping in for Behren Morton, who is anticipated to return when Texas Tech (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) faces Kansas State this Saturday.

Coach Joey McGuire expressed optimism regarding Hammond’s recovery, indicating that he believes Hammond will be ready for next season, although he may not participate in spring practice. “If it’s going to be somebody that’s totally dedicated to getting back and attacking the situation, there’s nobody that attacks anything like Will Hammond,” McGuire said. “I feel real confident that he’ll have himself ready to go.”

Hammond’s injury elevates Mitch Griffis to the backup quarterback position. Griffis, who was not on a football roster last year, previously played nine games for Wake Forest in 2023. During the Oklahoma State game, Griffis made a notable impact by throwing for one touchdown and rushing for another after Hammond left the field.

Morton, the starting quarterback, initially injured his knee during a 67-7 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the season opener and re-aggravated the injury in a 41-17 victory against Kansas on October 11, 2023. He also suffered a helmet hit that knocked him out during a 34-10 win at Utah, further complicating the team’s quarterback situation.

As the Red Raiders prepare for their upcoming matchup, the impact of Hammond’s injury is significant. The team will need to rely on Griffis to step up, while they await Morton’s return. The coaching staff remains hopeful about the future, aiming to maintain their strong season performance despite the challenges ahead.