The injury bug has not been kind to Tennessee football to start the season, with five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr. yet to play, and the Vols without top corners Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III also out.
That trend will continue for the Vols as they receive more bad news on Rocky Top ahead of a big matchup against No. 6 Georgia. McCoy and Gibson have already been ruled out for the Week 3 matchup, which is a huge blow to Tennessee's defensive secondary.
I would have been surprised to see McCoy back on the field this early into the season, but losing another key defensive back in Gibson, who suffered an injury in Week 1 against Syracuse, could force the Vols into a tough situation come kickoff on Saturday.
ESPN's Mark Schlabach first reported that McCoy and Gibson are out this week. "Junior Jermod McCoy, a preseason All-America selection, and junior Rickey Gibson III won't play against the No. 6 Bulldogs on Saturday," Schlabach wrote.
Colorado transfer corner Colton Hood and Freshman Ty Redmond have held down the corner spots in Gibson and McCoy's absence, but their effectiveness could be tested early against the Bulldogs.
It is unclear if true Freshman David Sanders Jr. will be available for the Georgia game, but the Vols have survived up front without his presence so far. Having him available could be a big help for the Tennessee offensive line, although that would be a tough test in his first collegiate game.
Tennessee showed out in its first test of the year against Syracuse, but the Georgia Bulldogs are another animal. If the Vols can get a win over Georgia, we could see another year where the Vols are competing in the College Football Playoff.