Tennessee football may be without one of its three contributing running backs for its game at Florida this weekend. Sophomore back Peyton Lewis is listed as questionable for the matchup in Gainesville, according to the Wednesday availability report.
Lewis suffered an injury during a disastrous drive for the Vols in their 42-9 win over New Mexico State. 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 is ruled out for the game at Florida, while Moe is considered questionable alongside Lewis. Bishop was not listed, indicating that he will be available for the game.
More From RTI: How Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy is Listed on Availability Report Heading into Florida
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, totalling 770 yards and 10 touchdowns on 119 carries. Star Thomas, a Duke transfer, has also been in the mix, recording 458 yards and six touchdowns on 85 attempts.
If Tennessee does go to a third back, it’d likely be freshman Daune Morris. He hasn’t gotten much run this season on offense, but will likely be used as the punt returner in the absence of Boo Carter.
Lewis is also one of the kick returners for the Vols. If he can’t go, it’ll be interesting to see who replaces him back to return kicks, though UT opts for touchbacks when possible most of the time.
Kick-off in Gainesville is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and will air on ABC.
