Tennessee Football Injury Update: Vols Await Key Player Recoveries Ahead of UAB Clash

No. 15 Tennessee will face UAB in Week 4 at Neyland Stadium. The Vols are 2-1 and looking to bounce back after their SEC opener loss. Kickoff is set for 12:45 p.m. EDT on Saturday.

Head coach Josh Heupel gave updates on multiple players ahead of the matchup. Freshman offensive lineman David Sanders Jr., defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs, and senior lineman Jaxson Moi remain in question. The Vols will need depth as they prepare for another physical contest.

Tennessee Football Injury Concerns Entering Week 4

Heupel said Sanders is still dealing with a unique injury. Doctors have not given a clear timeline for his return. The injury is different from common setbacks like ankle sprains, making recovery unpredictable.

The coach noted that Sanders has worked hard in practice despite being sidelined. His absence hurts the offensive line, but teammates respect his fight to return. Heupel added that medical staff, not coaches, decide when a player is ready.

Defensive tackle Jaxson Moi is also listed as day-to-day. His status will be a late call before Saturday. Meanwhile, Hobbs has been progressing in rehab. Coaches hope he can return soon, but no firm date is set.

According to AP reports, Tennessee knows these absences could test depth. SEC games are won in the trenches, and missing key linemen can shift momentum.

Impact of Injuries on Tennessee vs UAB

The Vols enter Week 4 with high stakes. They are favored against UAB, but player health is key for longer-term goals. Sanders’ potential absence could limit protection and running lanes.

Hobbs’ and Moi’s injuries affect the defensive front. Tennessee’s ability to pressure quarterbacks could take a hit. UAB will look to exploit any weakness inside.

Fans will watch closely for updates before kickoff. Tennessee needs to stay healthy as it moves deeper into SEC play. Heupel has stressed that recovery speed depends on medical staff decisions, not coaching preferences.

Tennessee football injury updates show how fragile depth can be. The Vols will need resilience and strong adjustments to manage missing players.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest Tennessee football injury news?

David Sanders Jr. is still sidelined with no clear timeline. Jaxson Moi is day-to-day, and Daevin Hobbs is rehabbing with steady progress.

Q2: Will David Sanders Jr. play against UAB?

As of midweek, he has not been cleared. Doctors will decide, and his return remains uncertain.

Q3: How does Daevin Hobbs’ injury impact Tennessee?

Hobbs’ absence weakens the defensive line. The Vols rely on him for interior strength, so depth players must step up.

Q4: What time is Tennessee vs UAB kickoff?

The game starts at 12:45 p.m. EDT on Saturday. It will air on SEC Network.

Q5: Who decides if a player is fit to play?

Tennessee’s medical staff makes final decisions. Coaches rely on their clearance before letting players return.