Texas Tech junior quarterback Behren Morton will miss the Liberty Bowl after having elective shoulder surgery, the school announced on Saturday.
Morton had the surgery on Tuesday in Los Angeles for a joint sprain in his right shoulder that he had been playing with for most of two seasons. He first injured the shoulder in the fourth game of the 2023 season but didn’t miss any regular-season games this year after ending his spring practice early.
“After hearing from several leading NFL medical experts, my family and I felt it was best to get this procedure done now so that I can fully rehab this spring and be ready for the start of summer workouts,” Morton said.
“As I’ve said all year, this injury did not impact me at all this past season. I elected to undergo this surgery now for my long-term success.”
The Red Raiders (8-4) are set to play Arkansas (6-6) from the SEC in the Liberty Bowl on December 27, a game between former Southwest Conference rivals.
Morton ranks third in the Big 12 and 10th nationally with 3,335 passing yards (277.9 yards per game) and is second in the league with 27 touchdown passes. The Red Raiders lead the Big 12 with 38.6 points and 459.8 total yards per game.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a well-known orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder injuries with experience treating NFL and MLB players, performed the surgery.
“I know he wants to be with his teammates against Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl, but this decision is best for his long-term future as a quarterback as well as following his playing career,” Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said about Morton.
Freshman Will Hammond, a highly rated true freshman, will make his first career start in place of Morton for the Liberty Bowl.
