If Memphis is going to make any noise in AAC play this season, it’ll have to do so without the most productive member of its rushing attack.
At his regular Monday press conference, Justin Fuente confirmed the Tigers’ worst fears: running back Doroland Dorceus “will not be with us for the rest of the season.” Dorceus sustained an injury to his right leg in the second quarter of this past weekend’s 24-3 loss to Ole Miss.
Dorceus would not specify the exact nature of the injury, although the speculation is that it’s an ACL issue.
Through four games, Dorceus leads the Tigers with 237 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
With Dorceus sidelined for the final eight games, a heavy portion of the ground game load is expected to fall onto the shoulders of the starter and one of his main backups. Brandon Hayes, who’s started all four games this season, is second on the team with 197 yards, but averages just 4.6 yards per carry, while Jarvis Cooper is third with 130 yards on just 15 carries.
Hayes led the Tigers in 2013 with 860 yards and five touchdowns.