What happened to Jamal Haynes? Exploring Georgia Tech RB's exit to locker room against Virginia Tech

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-3) running back Jamal Haynes has gone down with an injury in their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies (4-3). He left the field after getting hit on a play and is being evaluated for a possible shoulder injury before halftime.

What happened to Jamal Haynes?

After leaving the field, Haynes was seen walking to the locker room without his jersey or shoulder pads on. ESPN's Coly Harvey provided an update on the running back and his status during the second quarter.

"Some bad news right now for Georgia Tech. Running back Jamal Haynes, during Virginia Tech’s scoring drive, ran into Georgia Tech’s locker room, and then he came back out a few moments after and did not have his shoulder pads on. Athletic trainers were evaluating his left shoulder, as I was standing just behind the bench. He had a towel over his head.

“Then, right as that happened, he ran back into the locker room. So, we do not see Jamal Haynes right now. We’ll keep an eye on it.”

It is not yet clear how severe the injury is or how much time he will miss. The coaching staff has not provided an official update on Haynes yet.

How will the Yellow Jackets' offense be affected by Jamal Haynes' absence?

If Haynes is unable to return to the lineup in the near future, the Yellow Jackets will need to learn to play without their leading rusher.

Haynes leads the team with 551 yards on 104 carries this season. That places him nearly 200 yards ahead of the second leading rusher, quarterback Haynes King, who has 353 yards on 62 carries. Jamal Haynes also has eight rushing touchdowns.

Before leaving the game with an apparent shoulder injury, Haynes rushed for 54 yards on 11 carries. If he is unable to return, the Yellow Jackets will need to significantly alter their game plan. Haynes is a big part of the offense, and his ability to pick up big yardage at any time opens up space for receivers.

The other running backs in the Yellow Jackets do not have the same effect. They can be effective and pick up yardage, but do not have the ability to draw in defenders like Haynes does. As a result, until he returns, the Yellow Jackets' offense will need to make adjustments and play in a different way.