The Tennessee Vols are dealing with quite a few injuries as they enter the second half of the season.
Among those injuries are their top two running backs — true freshman Jalen Hurd and senior Marlin Lane.
On Wednesday, during the weekly SEC Coaches teleconference, Jones said that he’s “hoping Marlin will be available” for the Ole Miss game.
Lane, who began the season as Tennessee’s starting running back, missed the Vols’ game last week against Chattanooga.
The Florida native has rushed for 160 yards on 49 carries this season. He’s averaging only 3.3 yards per carry this season (he averaged 5.3 yards per carry last season).
Lane was replaced by Hurd as Tennessee’s starting running back prior to the Vols’ game against Florida.
Hurd is also dealing with an injury. He only received two carries in the Volunteers’ win against Chattanooga.
But Jones said that Hurd has not missed a rep in practice this week. He should be a full go for the Ole Miss game.
There’s no doubt that Hurd has been the more effective runner this season. He’s picked up 374 yards on 84 carries, for an average of 4.5 yards per carry.
Even though Hurd has taken the reigns as the starting running back, the Vols still need Lane to play this week.
It’s going to be a physical game, one that could take it’s toll on the young Tennessee players. The Vols will need all the depth they can get against the 6-0 Rebels.