Texas Tech QB Baker Mayfield has no major damage to the right knee that was injured in the Red Raiders' 54-16 win at Kansas on Saturday, Kliff Kingsbury said Monday.
The Red Raiders head coach confirmed on the Big 12 teleconference that Mayfield's injury is not season-ending, though his status is unknown for this week's game against Iowa State.
Mayfield was spotted with crouches on the sideline after suffering a hit in the final seconds of the third quarter. Backup quarterback Davis Webb led the Red Raiders in the final period, adding two more touchdown drives to the 34-6 second half rout. Mayfield finished the game with 368 yards and two total touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) before suffering the injury.
If Mayfield is out, then the Texas Tech coaches could revisit the possibility of starting Michael Brewer, the quarterback many believed would start before a back injury sidelined him in August. Brewer played in the final minutes of Saturday's win but did not attempt a pass.
Mayfield's hot start included 780 yards on 71.1 percent passing, seven touchdowns and no interceptions in his first two career starts, but those numbers have cooled in recent weeks along with the Red Raiders' offense.
Still, the Red Raiders are 5-0 for the first time since 2008 and on the national scene in the Top 25. Some offensive hiccups are not unexpected with the coaching transition, and as long as they are producing more points than the opponent there will be no complaints from fans in Lubbock. Their status as a Big 12 contender will be put to the test later this month with back-to-back meetings against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.
