Baylor's Johnny Jefferson won't return this season due to 'personal issues'

The season appears to have come to an end for Baylor running back Johnny Jefferson.

Head coach Jim Grobe announced in a statement Friday that Jefferson will be stepping away from the team to "deal with some personal issues," according to Jake Trotter of ESPN.

"Johnny, while still a member of this team, in addition to healing recent injuries is taking some time away from school to deal with some personal issues and hopefully will rejoin the program for spring semester," Grobe said.

After an offseason of turmoil, Baylor looked to take a step in the right direction on opening weekend with a 55-7 win over Northwestern State, but now has to fill a significant hole in its running game. Jefferson was involved in a car accident in August that left him with nagging injuries to his ribs and foot.

The junior recorded 1,000 rushing yards last season on 136 carries with eight touchdowns, seeing his yardage output nearly double from the 524 yards on 100 carries during his freshman year in 2014.

Baylor will likely look to Terence Williams, and Shock Linwood to carry the bulk of the load at running back.