Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop exited the Vols’ 34-31 win over Arkansas with an injury late in the third quarter and did not return as the Vols leaned on their run game to put the game away. But Josh Heupel provided good news on Bishop’s status following the win.
“I don’t think it’s a long-term deal here at all,” Heupel said.
Bishop was injured on a hip-drop tackle after a 26-yard run that set Tennessee up deep in Arkansas territory. Tennessee’s trainers were working on Bishop’s right leg before the redshirt sophomore running back walked off on his own power.
Tennessee’s starting running back went to the injury tent and not the locker room following the injury. He eventually exited the injury tent without his helmet.
To replace Bishop, Peyton Lewis entered with the ball at the seven-yard line. His first rush went for five yards to create second-and-goal. He punched it in from the two to give the Vols a 10-point advantage with little time left in the third quarter.
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Lewis ran the ball twice more in the red zone on the next drive, punching it in from two yards out. Both Lewis and Star Thomas split playing time the rest of the way. Lewis finished the game with eight carries for 33 yards and two touchdowns while Thomas ran 10 times for 23 yards.
Despite the injury, Bishop had by far the biggest game of the group. He rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. It was the best statistical game of his career.
On the season, including his game against Arkansas, Bishop has earned 481 yards on the ground and five touchdowns. He has also recorded three receptions for 44 yards.
Tennessee football put the game away on the ground on the final drive as the Vols finished the game with 264 rushing yards on 40 carries.
