The status of Tennessee football running back Peyton Lewis is still to be determined for this weekend’s clash vs. Vanderbilt. After missing the game against Florida last week, he remains listed as questionable for the matchup with the Commodores, according to the Friday availability report. For the game against the Gators, he was questionable all week until being ruled out on that week’s Friday report.
Lewis suffered an injury during a disastrous drive for the Vols in their 42-9 win over New Mexico State two weeks ago. Despite the possession ending in a touchdown for Lewis, tight end Miles Kitselman, offensive lineman Wendell Moe Jr. and running backs Lewis and DeSean Bishop all exited with injury in the span of just a handful of plays.
Kitselman was promptly ruled out for the game at Florida and remains inactive this weekend. Moe was taken off the availability report on Friday, but did not play in the game and was replaced by Sham Umarov. Moe is not on the report this week, either. Bishop was the feature back against the Gators, scoring two touchdowns in the win.
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On the year, Lewis has carried the ball 70 times for 290 yards. However, he’s found the end zone seven times and has proven to be a great red zone option with his top-end speed and massive frame. He stands at 6-foot-1, 212 pounds.
If Lewis can’t go, it’d likely mean additional totes for the other pair of contributing backs this season. DeSean Bishop has been the go-to guy and starter, totaling 886 yards and 12 touchdowns on 143 carries. Star Thomas, a Duke transfer, has also been in the mix, recording 529 yards and seven touchdowns on 94 attempts.
If Tennessee does go to a third back, it’d be freshman Daune Morris. He hadn’t gotten much run this season on offense, but played a decent role in the win at Florida. He recorded 14 carries for 41 yards in the game. He also stepped in as the punt returner in the absence of Boo Carter.
Lewis is also typically one of the kick returners for the Vols. If he can’t go, it’ll probably be Thomas and Morris after both manned the job last week.
Kick-off in Knoxville is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN.
