Memphis football running back Brandon Thomas left Saturday's game against MTSU with an apparent right leg injury.
Thomas had rushed for 38 yards and a touchdown on three carries but went down with the injury in the second quarter at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. He initially tried to walk off the field but stayed down on the turf while trainers came out to help him.
He eventually walked off without putting any pressure on his leg and went into the medical tent.
Thomas returned later in the half, a positive sign for a Memphis running back room that can ill-afford to lose another player to injury.
Memphis has struggled with RB injuries, including Sutton Smith and Greg Desrosiers
Memphis' running back room was already severely short-handed even before Thomas' injury. Sutton Smith was lost for the season after he suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of the season opener, and that left Greg Desrosiers to assume a good portion of his work as a change-of-pace back behind Mario Anderson.
But Desrosiers suffered a clavicle injury against Florida State and has missed two straight games. He was on the sideline in a sling during Saturday's game, but coach Ryan Silverfield said he expects Desrosiers to return this season.
Anderson is the only proven running back left. Behind him, Memphis could turn to receiver Ja'Koby Banks, who saw some work last week as a running back. There's also true freshman Makari Bodiford, who might be forced into action even though he hadn't been expected to play a major role this season.
Brandon Thomas stats
Thomas rushed for his 30th touchdown during Saturday's game. He's efficient as a goal-line back for the Tigers during the past two seasons.
He'd rushed for 1,258 yards in his career before Saturday's game.
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Brandon Thomas injury update: Memphis RB returns after suffering injury in game vs MTSU
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