Tennessee has been struggling at the offensive tackle position for most of the season. Now, the Vols will have to overcome one of its key offensive tackles being hobbled headed into the Alabama game.
Much-maligned offensive tackle Lance Heard was listed on Tennessee’s injury report as “probable” for the No. 11 Vols matchup against No. 7 Tennessee on Saturday at 3:30 EST in Neyland Stadium. That’s not good news. Heard has been dealing with an ankle injury since preseason camp that has limited his practice time and effectiveness in games.
Heard, who transferred from LSU, has struggled protecting redshirt freshman Nico Iamaleava throughout the season and set the Vols back at times with some very untimely penalties. Heard was not listed on the Vols’ injury report before the Vols’ 23-17 overtime win against the Gators last week.
Running back Cameron Seldon was listed as “questionable” on Tennessee’s most recent injury report, which was released on Wednesday. However, Seldon hasn’t had much of an impact this season against the Vols’ higher-ranked foes.
Linebacker Keenan Pili was listed as out for the Vols’ matchup against Alabama as Tennessee coach Josh Heupel announced that Pili would miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL injury. Sophomore Jeremiah Telander is expected to start in Pili’s place.
The Vols did not list fellow offensive tackle John Campbell Jr., on the participation report, although he has certainly dealt with injuries this season. The senior transfer from Miami was knocked out of the Vols’ win against Oklahoma early in the first half of Tennessee’s game against the Sooners. He also has struggled with pass protection throughout the season.
The Crimson Tide seems to be on the mend heading into the third weekend in October. No. 11 Tennessee plays No. 7 Alabama at 3:30 EST on Saturday in Neyland Stadium. Both teams are playing for a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. The Vols and the Crimson Tide are both 5-1 meaning a win on Saturday is critical for either team.
