Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis is out for the Vols’ SEC matchup against Arkansas on Saturday afternoon at Neyland Stadium. The Vols listed Davis as questionable to the injury report each of the last three days before officially ruling him out on Saturday.
Davis 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.
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.
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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 freshmen receivers Radarious Jackson and Travis Smith Jr.
Tennessee football is a 10-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.
