The Tennessee Volunteers’ injury report for the Orange & White Game highlights key players unavailable due to various injuries.

The Tennessee Volunteers, under the leadership of head coach Josh Heupel, are gearing up for their annual Orange & White Game, which serves as the team’s spring game, offering fans an early glimpse of the team’s development ahead of the regular season. However, as with any spring game, injuries are an inevitable factor that coaches and players must manage, often leading to changes in the lineup and adjustments to how the team approaches the scrimmage.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the injury report for Tennessee heading into the 2025 Orange & White Game, breaking down the players affected, the nature of their injuries, how these injuries might impact the team’s depth chart and performance, and what the game might look like without these key contributors.

The Importance of the Orange & White Game

The Orange & White Game is an essential component of Tennessee’s offseason training program. Held annually in April, the game is designed not only to give fans a chance to see the new players and systems but also to provide the coaching staff with valuable insights into the progress of the team. It’s a chance to evaluate the development of underclassmen, experiment with different lineups, and fine-tune various strategies ahead of the fall season.

However, spring games also bring unique challenges, especially when it comes to managing injuries. Coaches have to decide how to balance the need for in-game reps with the risk of aggravating existing injuries or creating new ones. As the game approaches, Tennessee fans and analysts alike are closely watching the injury reports to gauge how these players’ absences will affect the team’s performance and what impact it will have on the starting positions.

Key Injuries Impacting the Volunteers

The Tennessee Volunteers’ injury report for the Orange & White Game contains several notable names, with some key players dealing with minor injuries that are expected to be short-term while others are recovering from more serious issues that may have a longer-term impact. Below are the most significant injuries and how they could affect the team’s game plan.

1. Quarterback – Joe Milton III

Joe Milton III, Tennessee’s starting quarterback, is the most significant player on the injury report for the Volunteers. Milton, who transferred to Tennessee from Michigan, has shown flashes of brilliance since becoming the starting quarterback, earning praise for his powerful arm and ability to stretch the field. However, Milton has been dealing with a lingering issue related to his shoulder, which has kept him limited in spring practices.

Injury Overview:
Milton’s shoulder injury is described as a muscle strain that he initially sustained during the previous season. While it is not believed to be serious, the coaching staff has opted to take a cautious approach with him in the spring. As a result, he will not participate in the Orange & White Game, though the injury is not expected to hinder his availability for the start of the regular season.

Impact on the Team:
Milton’s absence means that backup quarterbacks like Nico Iamaleava and Tayven Jackson will see extended playing time during the game. This provides an excellent opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate their readiness for significant in-game action, especially since both quarterbacks have been competing for the backup role behind Milton. Iamaleava, a highly touted recruit, has been viewed as the future of Tennessee’s offense, and this game will be a critical opportunity for him to show his capabilities in a live setting.

2. Wide Receiver – Bru McCoy

Wide receiver Bru McCoy was one of Tennessee’s standout playmakers last season and remains a critical part of their offensive scheme. McCoy has been battling a hamstring injury that kept him out of most of the spring practices leading up to the Orange & White Game.

Injury Overview:
Hamstring injuries are notoriously difficult to recover from, especially for wide receivers who rely heavily on their speed and agility. While McCoy is expected to return to full health by the start of the regular season, the decision was made to hold him out of the spring game as a precautionary measure.

Impact on the Team:
McCoy’s absence leaves a void at the receiver position, meaning that other players like Ramel Keyton, Squirrel White, and Chase Burns will have a chance to step up and showcase their skills. The Volunteers have a deep receiving corps, and this game will be crucial in assessing how well these players can contribute in McCoy’s absence. Given the explosive nature of Tennessee’s offense, which relies on fast-paced passing schemes, the spring game is a vital opportunity for these young receivers to make a name for themselves.

3. Offensive Lineman – Ollie Lane

Ollie Lane, an experienced offensive lineman who has been a starter for the Volunteers, is another key player affected by injury. Lane is recovering from a knee injury that he sustained during the latter part of last season. While the injury is not severe enough to require surgery, it has limited his ability to participate in full-contact drills during the spring.

Injury Overview:
The knee injury is described as a sprained MCL, which is not uncommon among linemen who take the brunt of the contact in the trenches. Lane has been working on rehabilitation, but the decision was made to keep him out of the Orange & White Game to prevent further strain.

Impact on the Team:
Lane’s absence will force some changes along the offensive line, and this is where the depth of Tennessee’s line will be tested. Players like Gerald Mincey, Cooper Mays, and Javontez Spraggins will be asked to step up in Lane’s absence and lead the offensive line. The Volunteers’ offensive line has been one of the program’s strengths in recent years, and maintaining that stability without Lane will be a key factor in how well the offense performs in the spring game.

4. Defensive Lineman – Tyler Baron

On the defensive side of the ball, Tyler Baron, one of the Vols’ most impactful defensive linemen, is listed on the injury report with an ankle sprain. Baron, who plays a crucial role in Tennessee’s pass rush, has been a force on the edge, and his absence will have a significant impact on the defense.

Injury Overview:
Baron’s injury is not considered serious, and he has been progressing well through rehabilitation. However, the coaching staff decided to hold him out of the spring game to avoid aggravating the injury and potentially risking his availability for the regular season. Baron is expected to be fully healthy by the start of the season, but for now, he will miss the spring scrimmage.

Impact on the Team:
Baron’s absence will give younger defensive linemen like Tyler Williams and Khristian Dykes the chance to prove their worth and get valuable in-game reps. These players will need to step up to fill the void left by Baron, as the Volunteers will rely heavily on their defensive line to stop the run and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks in the upcoming season.

5. Linebacker – Juwan Mitchell

Juwan Mitchell, a linebacker with experience and leadership on the defensive side, is also dealing with an injury. Mitchell is recovering from a shoulder injury that has kept him limited in his participation during the spring.

Injury Overview:
Mitchell’s shoulder injury is described as a mild sprain, and while it’s not considered serious, the coaching staff has opted to hold him out of the game. Mitchell has been a key figure in the Volunteers’ linebacker corps, and his leadership will be missed in the spring game.

Impact on the Team:
With Mitchell sidelined, younger linebackers such as Solomon Davis and Elijah Herring will get the opportunity to showcase their skills. This game will provide a great chance for these players to gain valuable experience and earn more playing time heading into the fall. The linebackers are tasked with stopping both the run and providing pass coverage, so it will be important to see how they adapt without Mitchell’s presence.

Injuries are a common part of football, and while the Tennessee Volunteers have several key players sidelined for the Orange & White Game, the program is taking a measured approach to ensure their readiness for the regular season. Joe Milton III, Bru McCoy, Ollie Lane, Tyler Baron, and Juwan Mitchell are all dealing with injuries that will limit their participation, but all are expected to be ready by the time the season opener rolls around.

For Tennessee, the focus during this spring game will be on evaluating the depth and talent of the next wave of players. While it’s always disappointing when star players are unable to participate, the Orange & White Game provides an important opportunity for backups to step up and show what they can contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.

Ultimately, these injuries, while notable, should not have a long-term impact on Tennessee’s ability to compete in the 2025 college football season. With key players recovering and other contributors getting valuable experience, the Volunteers will continue to develop a competitive squad capable of contending for top honors in the SEC and beyond.