Memphis football coach Ryan Silverfield shared during his Monday press conference that kicker Seth Morgan is done for the year after having season-ending surgery.

Morgan appeared in the first three games for the Tigers before it was announced that he and kicker Tristian Vandenberg would be out with injuries ahead of the Missouri game. Morgan made 3-of-5 field goals and all 14 of his extra-point attempts before getting hurt.

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Silverfield said Vandenberg is still day to day. Tanner Gillis has handled the kickoff and field goal duties since those two have been out for the past three games. He made both of his field goals against Missouri and hasn’t had another attempt since then.

Running back Blake Watson didn’t finish the game against Tulane last week and Silverfield also labeled him as day-to-day.

Running back situation

Silverfield said he hadn’t seen Watson on Monday by the time he spoke with the media to further asses him. But if he isn’t ready to go by this weekend, Sutton Smith would be the starter.

Brandon Thomas hadn’t received any carries all year until his number was called three times against Tulane. He finished with eight yards and had two receptions for 10 yards. Thomas is two years removed from leading the Tigers in rushing with 669 rushing yards in 2021. He led the team in rushing touchdowns for two consecutive years heading into this season, but injuries have prevented him from tapping into his full potential as a lead running back.

If Watson is unable to play against UAB on Saturday, Thomas could get even more playing time. Jay Ducker led the team with 544 rushing yards last season but has only logged rushing attempts in the second and third games of this year. He has eight carries for 41 yards on the year. Ducker has had one catch against Boise State, Missouri and Navy for a total of three receptions for 16 yards.

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Silverfield said he and Ducker have had discussions.

“We’ve still got great faith in Jay Ducker,” Silverfield said. “Just kind of figuring out what’s best for him and the program. But Jay is still part of what we do on a day-to-day basis. Obviously, a super-intelligent kid. He’s had a lot of success at the collegiate level, and we’ve still got huge expectations for Jay moving forward.”

Andres Fox suspension?

Defensive lineman Andres Fox was ejected during the fourth quarter of the 31-21 loss to Tulane last week for hitting a Tulane player in the groin area. Silverfield expressed his frustration in the postgame calling his actions inexcusable and said it would “be handled appropriately.”

Silverfield couldn’t say too much on the matter when asked about it Monday, but he assured there will be consequences.

“I can’t speak until the conference comes out with what’s going to happen,” Silverfield said. “But let’s just say this, there will be some type of suspension.”