Tennessee football is down two players for its season opener against Virginia Saturday afternoon. Starting center Cooper Mays and second team defensive tackle Elijah Simmons are inactive for the week one matchup against Virginia.
The Vols are also down freshmen DeSean Bishop and Tyree Weathersby as well as reserve linebacker Kwauze Garland. Weathersby and Garland are out for the entirety of the season while Bishop is out for multiple months.
With Mays out, look for left guard Ollie Lane to slide over and start at center. Veteran offensive lineman Dayne Davis could also earn reps at center. Who fills in Lane’s spot at left guard is undetermined but Texas transfer Andrej Karic and senior Jackson Lampley will likely earn opportunities throughout the game.
Simmons, who suffered a lower body injury earlier in fall camp, is Omari Thomas’ backup on Tennessee’s official depth chart. His absence creates bigger opportunities for Bryson Eason, Kurrott Garland and freshman Daevin Hobbs.
Virginia is also down Chico Bennett Jr.— its top pass rusher— for Saturday’s non conference matchup.
Kickoff between the Vols and Cavaliers is at noon ET. Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer and Katie George are on the call for ABC.
