Vols Football: Injury Updates and Notes on the Team

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Nov 15, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Vols head coach Butch Jones during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee head coach Butch Jones addressed the media during his weekly press conference Monday at noon, and he provided several updates on injured Vols and provided some insight on his team moving forward.

Jones expects running back Derrell Scott to be available this week for the Vols after he gets his cast cut. Jones says Scott had a broken hand and couldn’t grip the ball properly, and that’s why he didn’t play this past weekend against Kentucky.

Offensive lineman Mack Crowder is listed as “questionable” according to Jones. He suffered a high ankle sprain and has a “knee sprain” according to what Jones has been told. Jones stated that if Crowder can’t go, Dylan Wiesman will likely get the start at center for the Vols, but they will also look at Marcus Jackson and Coleman Thomas at the position.

Defensive lineman Trevarris Saulsberry is not expected to play this weekend, although Jones said he is “running and progressing.” Marquez North is “still dinged up a bit” with a shoulder injury, but Jones said the sophomore wide receiver could’ve played more against Kentucky if they needed him to.

Despite the rash of injuries, nothing has changed on Tennessee’s depth chart, as Mack Crowder is still listed as starter at center and Derrell Scott is the immediate backup to Jalen Hurd at running back.

Jones Comments on Pearson’s Statement

After the Kentucky game, wide receiver Von Pearson had some inspired words for the Vols’ upcoming opponent, the Missouri Tigers. Pearson stated he “feels sorry for Missouri” because the Vols “are hot right now.”

“We’re ready to explode,” said Pearson, “I feel good about that. When Missouri watches the film, they’re gonna know we’re coming to ball. They’re gonna know it’s not gonna be an easy win for them.”

Butch Jones was asked about Pearson’s comments and whether or not he thought the team was overconfident heading into this weekend’s game. Jones said he doesn’t think the team is overconfident and that those comments were just “Von being Von” and him being excited after the game.