Tennessee freshman right tackle, David Sanders Jr. remains sidelined with what head coach Josh Heupel called a “unique” injury.
Heupel said the situation has been tough.
“It’s not like a sprained ankle, and I say that meaning there’s not a definitive timeline,” said Heupel on Monday.
Sanders Jr. has missed the first three games of the 2025 College Football Season with this injury.
Heupel confirmed during the post game press conference after Syracuse that Sanders Jr. injured himself, “late in practice on Wednesday, kind of got nicked up.”
The Vols’ medical staff has continued to evaluate Sanders on a daily basis, since.
Heupel said there’s a possibility Sanders could be cleared at any moment, but it seems unlikely for Saturday’s University of Alabama at Birmingham game.
“He’s not in control of it. Our medical staff is doing everything they can,” Heupel said. “Obviously he’s had some time, some healing, and we hope that happens before we get to Saturday.”
That hope has been the sentiment since Week One when Heupel said after Syracuse, “Anticipate him being back as we get going next week.”
That has yet to happen.
While sidelined, Heupel continues to praise the freshman’s effort and attitude as a teammate.
“The guy wants to be out there. It hurts him badly,” said Heupel.
“Our football team, the guys in his position room can see that, but he’s been a good teammate too,” Heupel added. “I think as a young guy, staying the course through something that’s a little bit unknown is hard. He’s done a good job with it.”
For now, the Volunteers wait for medical clearance that could give the star lineman the chance to finally suit up.
