Memphis football RB Sutton Smith's knee injury 'doesn't look great,' Ryan Silverfield says

Memphis football running back Sutton Smith suffered an apparent right knee injury in the 40-0 win over North Alabama that "doesn't look great," coach Ryan Silverfield said after the game.

"He did get hurt," Silverfield said. "It doesn't look great. Our entire program will keep him in our thoughts and prayers, and hopefully he's OK more than anything. And we wish him a speedy recovery."

Smith suffered the injury after a carry in the first quarter of Saturday's game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. He stayed down on the field after the play and eventually walked off the field and into the medical tent after a delay.

He later emerged from the tent on crutches and did not return to the game.

Before the injury, he had three carries for seven yards and two receptions for 13 yards.

Smith, a junior, has flashed game-breaking potential, including an electrifying performance in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl win over Iowa State in December. He was listed as a co-starter with South Carolina transfer Mario Anderson at running back on the depth chart ahead of the North Alabama game.

After playing sparingly as a true freshman, Smith had a more significant role backing up Blake Watson in 2023. He started Saturday and was a focal point on the first drive.

"You talk about a young man that I thought had a chance to be an all-conference kick returner, starting running back," Silverfield said. "He's versatile enough that I compared him to the Kenny Gainwell mold, so much so that we nominated him for the most versatile player in college football."

Quarterback Seth Henigan said the team had to quickly regroup after Smith's injury, but said it was a tough emotional stretch in the game.

"Obviously, when one of your guys, one of your buddies, one of your friends that you want to go to war with on Saturday, is injured, it obviously kind of hurts," he said. "But you've got to play the next play. That's kind of what we had to do tonight, and we'll see his status and go from there."

Memphis running backs besides Sutton Smith

Anderson will be expected to play a larger role in Smith's absence. The Tigers also have a proven back in Brandon Thomas, who has played a goal-line role in the past. UMass transfer Greg Desrosiers also played after Smith's injury.

Anderson rushed for 46 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday's win, while Desrosiers had six yards and a touchdown.

Sutton Smith stats

Smith went into Saturday's game with 440 career rushing yards and 210 career receiving yards.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football RB Sutton Smith's knee injury 'doesn't look great,' Ryan Silverfield says