In some ways, the 2016 season has been a disappointment for Tennessee running back Jalen Hurd. However, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound junior is a vital part of the offensive in Knoxville, and the Volunteers recently received some potentially devastating news about his status for this weekend's game against undefeated Texas A&M.
John Brice of Vols247 brings word that Hurd is not expected to be able to play against the Aggies, as he reports that Hurd did not practice on Thursday as a result of an undisclosed injury. The report suggests that Hurd's ailment is not on his lower body and Brice makes it clear that the talented runner is not in any trouble off the field.
In Hurd's projected absence, the Vols would be forced to lean heavily on fellow junior running back Alvin Kamara, who was actually more effective than Hurd (16 carries for 62 yards) in last week's victory over Georgia. Still, it is always better to have additional options at the running back position, especially in a game in which the opposition is led by a tantalizing defensive line featuring Myles Garrett.
We won't know officially about Hurd's status until Tennessee confirms the report, but it looks bleak for Jalen Hurd's availability on Saturday.
