Memphis football running back Sutton Smith has been ruled out of the rest of the 2024 football season with a right knee injury.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis running back Sutton Smith has been sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 football season due to a right knee injury, as confirmed by head coach Ryan Silverfield.
“Sadly, Sutton is out for the season,” Silverfield stated following the Tigers’ 38-17 victory over Troy on Saturday. “His injury will require surgery.”
Smith sustained the injury in the first quarter of the Tigers’ opening game, a 40-0 win against North Alabama. After a run, he remained on the ground and needed assistance to leave the field. He was later seen on the sidelines using crutches before undergoing an MRI earlier this week.
During the game against Troy, Smith was observed sitting near the end zone with his right leg elevated.
At the start of the season, he was the starting running back alongside South Carolina transfer Mario Anderson Jr. Smith was also the team’s kick returner and had the potential to play receiver, which contributed to his nomination for the Paul Hornung Award, recognizing the nation’s most versatile player.
Before his injury in the season opener, the junior had accumulated two carries for seven yards and two receptions for 13 yards.
“He’s a fantastic young man who has worked incredibly hard to earn his spot as a starting running back,” Silverfield commented. “We recognized his dynamic abilities both as a returner and in the passing game. His absence is felt not just on the field, but as a remarkable individual. But if there’s anything I know about Sutton Smith, it’s that he’s going to work hard and recover properly. He’s dedicated to his teammates and this program, and he’ll do everything he can to come back.”
Although Smith was not available for the game against Troy, the Tigers excelled in rushing, totaling 211 yards and four touchdowns.
With a redshirt year still available, Smith could potentially return to the Tigers in 2025 as a redshirt junior.
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