After a report surfaced this week that right tackle Brett Kendrick would be out for the season, Butch Jones did confirm that Kendrick will be out for the Kentucky game, but could return next week when the Vols face South Carolina in Knoxville.
Jones said freshman safety Stephen Griffin, who has played primarily on special teams, will be out for the Kentucky game with an ankle injury, though he’d list him as probable for the South Carolina game.
Guard Jashon Robertson (ankle) and wide receiver Preston Williams (hamstring) remain questionable for the Kentucky game. Jones said he’s “hopeful” that Robertson will play. Defensive end Kyle Phillips should also get an opportunity to play against Kentucky after being held out for precautionary reasons the past couple games after injuring his shoulder against Arkansas.
“We really hope to get him some valuable reps in the game,” Jones said of Phillips. “We’re going to need him going forward. He’s been available, but we didn’t want to chance anything.”
Other notes:
• Jones said “as of now” cornerback Justin Martin will start opposite of Cam Sutton on Saturday, replacing Emmanuel Moseley in the starting lineup. Defensive coordinator John Jancek said on Tuesday that the second cornerback spot was a “competitive situation” after saying that Martin was more of a spot player a few weeks ago.
• Aaron Medley has hit every field goal in practice this week, according to Jones. Medley missed three field goals against Alabama (51, 51, 43) and is currently the worst kicker in the SEC in terms of field-goal percentage.
