Tennessee football had a number of players suffer injuries in its 33-27 loss against Oklahoma on Saturday night at Neyland Stadium. A number of players returned to the game after suffering injuries including starting receiver Braylon Staley and offensive tackle David Sanders Jr.
But one key Tennessee defender did not return to the game after suffering an injury. Tyre West suffered an injury in the second quarter and was down for a good period of time. West was originally face down on the field before the medical team rolled him over.
West was pursuing Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer on a scramble when his head collided with Tennessee linebacker Jeremiah Telander.
Tennessee DL Tyre West is down with a head injury.
He is out for the rest of the game.#Vols #OUvsTENN pic.twitter.com/cUuwXHoCbI
— The Sideline Report (@Mikebalotti__) November 2, 2025
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The strongside defensive end eventually walked off the field on his own power but did not return to the game, playing just eight snaps in the SEC loss.
West has been one of Tennessee’s best defensive linemen this season, totaling 19 tackles, four sacks and one forced fumble this season. The senior is tied for second on Tennessee’s team in sacks this season. Dominic Bailey has 4.5 sacks while Josh Josephs also has four sacks.
With West sidelined for the entire second half against Oklahoma, the Vols leaned on Bailey and Tyree Weathersby at strongside defensive end. If West misses any time moving forward, Tennessee could also lean on true freshman Mariyon Dye who earned playing time earlier this season.
Tennessee has plenty of time to get West healthy. The Vols have their second open date of the season next week before facing New Mexico State at Neyland Stadium the next week. Tennessee does not return to SEC play until Nov. 22 when they face Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.
