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

Texas Tech’s backup quarterback, Will Hammond, is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL in his right knee. The injury occurred during the No. 13 Red Raiders’ commanding 42-0 victory over Oklahoma State on October 14, 2023. This setback comes in Hammond’s second start as he filled in for Behren Morton, who is anticipated to return when Texas Tech (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) faces Kansas State on Saturday, October 21.

Head coach Joey McGuire expressed optimism regarding Hammond’s recovery, stating that while he will likely miss spring practice, there is confidence he will be ready for the next season. “If it’s gonna be somebody that’s going to be totally dedicated to getting back and attack the situation, there’s nobody that attacks anything like Will Hammond,” McGuire said. “Feel real confident that he’ll have himself ready to go.”

Hammond’s injury elevates Mitch Griffis to the backup quarterback position. Griffis, who had a year off from football, previously played in nine games for Wake Forest in 2023, demonstrating his capability as a versatile player. After Hammond exited the game against Oklahoma State, Griffis contributed by throwing for a touchdown and rushing for another score.

Morton has had a challenging season, having injured his knee during a 67-7 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the season opener. He re-aggravated the injury during a 41-17 win over Kansas on October 11 and also sustained a helmet injury in a 34-10 victory against Utah.

As the Red Raiders prepare for their upcoming match against Kansas State, they will hope to build on their current momentum while navigating the challenges posed by injuries. The team remains focused on maintaining their position in the Big 12 as they approach the final weeks of the regular season.