LUBBOCK, Texas — Texas Tech’s junior quarterback, Behren Morton, will not participate in the upcoming Liberty Bowl due to elective shoulder surgery, as announced by the university on Saturday.
Morton underwent the procedure on Tuesday in Los Angeles to address a joint sprain in his right shoulder, an injury he has been managing throughout most of the past two seasons. He initially sustained the injury during the fourth game of the 2023 season but remarkably did not miss a regular-season game this year, despite having to cut short his spring practice.
“After consulting with a number of top NFL medical professionals, my family and I believed it was in my best interest to have this procedure now so I can fully recover this spring and be ready for summer workouts,” Morton stated. “As I’ve mentioned throughout the year, this injury had no significant effect on my performance this season. I chose to proceed with surgery now for my long-term success.”
The Red Raiders, who finished the season with an 8-4 record, are scheduled to face Arkansas, boasting a 6-6 record from the SEC, in the Liberty Bowl on December 27. Morton has had an impressive season, ranking third in the Big 12 Conference and 10th nationally with 3,335 passing yards (averaging 277.9 yards per game), while also ranking second in the conference with 27 touchdown passes. Texas Tech leads the Big 12 with an impressive scoring average of 38.6 points and a total yardage of 459.8 yards per game.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a highly regarded orthopedic surgeon known for his expertise in shoulder injuries, particularly among professional athletes in the NFL and MLB.
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire commented on Morton’s decision, noting, “I understand he wishes to be with his teammates against Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl, but this is ultimately the best choice for his long-term career as a quarterback, as well as for his future playing career.”
In Morton’s absence, touted true freshman Will Hammond is expected to step in and make his first career start in the Liberty Bowl.
