Tennessee's Jauan Jennings out indefinitely with injury, Butch Jones confirms
Tennessee wide receiver Jauan Jennings will be out indefinitely after suffering an injury in Monday's game against Georgia Tech, Vols coach Butch Jones confirmed on Wednesday.
"No timetable yet. We’re still kind of waiting," Jones said.
Jones also said defensive tackle Kendal Vickers, returner Evan Berry, wide receiver Josh Smith and defensive tackle Shy Tuttle will be questionable due to undisclosed injuries when the No. 21 Vols (1-0) play their home opener Indiana State (0-1) on Saturday (TV: SEC, 4 p.m. ET).
“There is a possibility that they could play," Jones said.
Offensive tackle Drew Richmond will be cleared to play this week after serving a one-game suspension for a violation of team rules.
"Drew will be ready to play. Excited to get him back," Jones said.
Jennings hurt his wrist in the second quarter against Georgia Tech. He absorbed a big hit from Yellow Jackets defensive back A.J. Gray following Jennings' catch over the middle.
Jennings had three catches for 17 yards in UT's 42-41 double-overtime victory but also dropped two passes, though one was on a low throw from Quinten Dormady.
More:Tennessee Vols: WR Jauan Jennings sidelined for second half with undisclosed injury
Jennings was UT's top returning receiver from 2016, when he had 40 receptions for 580 yards and seven touchdowns. Included in that was his Hail Mary catch to beat Georgia.
With Jennings out, Marquez Callaway's role will grow. Against Georgia Tech, Callaway had four receptions - all after halftime - for 115 yards with two touchdowns.
“He made some big, big-time plays for us," Jones said of Callaway.
Josh Palmer and Brandon Johnson are other options on the perimeter. Johnson had three catches Monday, and Palmer caught one pass.
The Vols also will need better play from Tyler Byrd, who dropped a pair of passes Monday. Byrd caught 15 passes for 209 yards last season.
Another wide receiver, Josh Smith, missed the season opener with a sprained shoulder.