Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis remains questionable on the SEC injury report ahead of the Vols’ matchup against Arkansas at Neyland Stadium. The Vols listed Davis as questionable on its Wednesday night availability report and his status is unchanged on Thursday.
The Atlanta native is Tennessee’s backup tight end behind Miles Kitselman but has played an extensive number of snaps this season. Davis plays as a backup but the Vols also run a solid amount of 12 personnel, playing two tight ends at the same time.
Davis has missed Tennessee’s last two games dating back to its blowout win over UAB. The tight end originally looked on track to return against Mississippi State but Tennessee added him to the injury report on Thursday and eventually ruled him out on Friday night.
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In three games this season, Davis has caught just one pass for one yard but has proved to be an improved blocker over his first two collegiate seasons. With Davis sidelined against Mississippi State, Tennessee ran must less 12 personnel electing to play three receivers and one tight end instead of two receivers and two tight ends for the majority of the game.
Freshman Jack Van Dorselaer took over Davis snaps in 12 personnel with Davis sidelined. Van Dorselaer played six snaps against Mississippi State but was in for each of the Vols’ final two touchdowns. Tennessee could also play freshman DaSaahn Brame but Van Dorselaer is a better blocker at this point in his career, giving him a higher floor.
Tennessee is getting more-and-more healthy ahead of the Mississippi State games. Corners Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson remain out as is freshman receiver Radarious Jackson.
Tennessee football is a 12.5-point favorites over Arkansas according to the FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 68.5. Kickoff from Neyland Stadium is at 4:15 p.m. ET. Dave Neal, Fozzy Whittaker and Morgan Uber are on the call for the SEC Network.
