Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis is officially out for the Vols’ rivalry matchup against Alabama according to the SEC Availability Report. The Vols listed Davis as “questionable” on the Wednesday and Thursday night report before downgrading him to out on Friday night.
Davis missed Tennessee’s last three 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. He was questionable throughout last week against Arkansas but was unable to give it go.
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 healthier ahead of the Alabama games. Corners Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson remain out as are freshmen receivers Radarious Jackson and Travis Smith Jr.
Alabama is currently 8.5-point home favorites over Tennessee according to the DraftKings Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 58.5. Kickoff between Tennessee and Alabama is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy and Molly McGrath are on the call for ABC.
