Tennessee’s season-opening win over Syracuse came at a cost, with the defense taking another hit to its secondary.
Vols Head coach Josh Heupel confirmed Monday that starting cornerback Rickey Gibson III will be sidelined for “an extended period” after suffering a left arm injury in the second quarter. The exact diagnosis and timeline remain undisclosed. However, Gibson’s absence further strains a unit already operating without its top corner.
Gibson brought both experience and production as a returning starter to the Vols’ back end. He posted 32 tackles, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble last season. His departure now forces Tennessee to rely more heavily on Colorado transfer Colton Hood. This adjustment comes at a critical point in the schedule with East Tennessee State on deck this week and No. 5 Georgia looming Sept. 13.
With Gibson out, along with the absence of Jermod McCoy, who tore his ACL in January, Tennessee will be taking things as they come. McCoy is still working toward a return later this month, but his availability against Georgia remains in question.
Hood impressed in his debut with three pass breakups against Syracuse, earning SEC co-Defensive Player of the Week honors. Freshman Ty Redmond and other reserves are also expected to see expanded roles.
The front line is not immune to injury concerns either. Defensive tackle Jaxson Moi, who started in the opener, will miss the East Tennessee State matchup with a left arm injury of his own. But Heupel expects a quicker return for him and will likely be available against Georgia.
Tennessee enters its home opener with momentum but less margin for error. Depth will be tested as they prepare for a pivotal September stretch. Kickoff against East Tennessee State is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network+
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