Tennessee football starting left guard Wendell Moe Jr. exited the Vols’ game against Vanderbilt with an injury on the second drive of the game. With under four minutes left in the period, running back DeSean Bishop powered in for a score. However, on that same play, Moe was injured and forced to limp to the sideline with the help of trainers.
Moe was injured in the win over New Mexico State two weeks ago, as well. He was listed as questionable to play at Florida the next Saturday, but was taken off the report later in the week. Despite being available, he did not play in the game and was replaced by Sham Umarov.
This week, Moe did not appear on the availability report heading into the game vs. Vanderbilt. He started the game at left guard and played every snap in the first two series before the touchdown and injury.
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Through 10 games this season, Moe has played 674 snaps and totaled a 74.2 PFF grade. Moe is Tennessee’s highest graded offensive lineman this season, according to PFF, edging out David Sanders, Lance Heard and Jesse Perry.
If Moe is uinable to return, the likely solution is inserting guard Sham Umarov in his place. The Vols have frequently played six offensive linemen this season, so while the injury would be significant, it would not insert any player into a spot they have not been in this season.
Umarov played every snap at left guard vs. Florida in last week’s road trip, as well. The other pieces on the line include left tackle Lance Heard, center Sam Pendleton, right guard Jesse Perry and right tackle David Sanders Jr.
The game airs on ESPN and began at 3:30 p.m. ET. Tennessee is looking to play spoiler to Vanderbilt’s season, with the Commodores hoping to finish 10-2 with a chance to make the College Football Playoffs.
The Vols hold a 7-0 lead after Bishop’s touchdown and converted extra point.
