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Tennessee football Week 2 NFL recap: Former Vols shine on defense

By Caleb Calhoun

September 18, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) passes the football against Seattle Seahawks defensive end Darrell Taylor (52) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 18, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) passes the football against Seattle Seahawks defensive end Darrell Taylor (52) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lots of former Tennessee football players found themselves unlucky in the second week of the NFL season, as they had to miss significant action. Some of the Vols’ most notable weapons in the pros were held out, and that should have limited the impact players from Rocky Top could have had on their respective teams.

It didn’t. The Vols managed to have players step up in a big way on the defensive side of the ball. Two undrafted free agents stood out for them this week, one of whom had a career day. Even though two were in losing efforts, it’s safe to say those players themselves deserve credit.

Our second week looking back on former Vols in the NFL will still separate pages out by stars, those who played significantly, those who played sparingly and those who didn’t see any action. Let’s start our recap, though, with former Tennessee football players who were injured, are injured or got injured in that game.

The Tennessee football Volunteers had lots of defenders step up in the pros for Week 2 of 2022.

Aug 13, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) walks on the field before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) walks on the field before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Players who were hurt

Alvin Kamara – RB – New Orleans Saints

He was questionable all week, and the Vols’ biggest star in the pros ended up not being able to play as the New Orleans Saints lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-10 this past weekend. Alvin Kamara has hurt ribs. He is hopeful to play Week 3.

  • hurt ribs

Velus Jones Jr. – WR – Chicago Bears

Everybody has been waiting for this past year’s third round draft pick to see the field, but Velus Jones Jr. missed his second straight game due to a hamstring injury as the Chicago Bears lost to the Green Bay Packers 27-10. He was always listed as doubtful, so Week 3 is in question.

Justin Coleman – DB – Seattle Seahawks

As the Seattle Seahawks lost 27-7 to the San Francisco 49ers, veteran nickel Justin Coleman, one of Tennessee football’s best in the pros, was out due to a calf injury. He was listed as out for Sunday, so Week 3 is a question here too.

Players who are out for the season

Derek Barnett – DE -Philadelphia Eagles

A torn ACL in the opener ended Derek Barnett’s season.

Ja’Wuan James – OL – Baltimore Ravens

For the second straight year, Ja’Wuan James suffered a season-ending injury, this time due to a torn achilles in the opener.

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