Texas Tech’s second-string quarterback Will Hammond tore his right ACL Saturday against Oklahoma State and will miss the remainder of the season, according to multiple media reports on Sunday.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to report the news.
Hammond exited Saturday’s game with 7:55 left in the second quarter due to a non-contact injury. He planted his right foot in the turf to make a cut during a nine-yard run. He grabbed at his right knee after getting up from the play but returned behind center. Texas Tech called a timeout and Hammond was benched.
The redshirt freshman started Saturday in place of Behren Morton, who was confirmed to be healthy and 100% ready to start against Kansas State by head coach Joey McGuire.
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Hammond also started against Arizona State in a 26-22 defeat. He played in every single game of the season, totaling 680 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns and five scores on the ground.
Wake Forest transfer Mitch Griffis will serve as the team’s immediate backup. Griffis replaced Hammond Saturday and had 172 passing yards and scores through the air and on the ground.
Texas Tech’s third-string spot will be filled by either true freshman Holden Phillips or true freshman Lloyd Jones III. Phillips threw one pass for eight yards Saturday.
Texas Tech will face Kansas State in Manhattan, Kansas, at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Morton will start for the first time since Oct. 11.
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