Report: Tennessee linebacker Cortez McDowell to miss significant time

Stop me if you’ve heard this before. Tennessee is dealing with a significant injury to a key player. This time it’s linebacker Cortez McDowell.

According to a report from 247 Sports, McDowell is dealing with a wrist issue. He left Saturday’s game in the second half and did not return. 247 reports that the injury will require surgery and will force McDowell to miss most of the remainder of the season.

Tennessee is already down Darrin Kirkland Jr., Jauan Jennings and Todd Kelly Jr. likely for the season. Linebacker Austin Smith has yet to play due to a knee injury.

We all understand that injuries are a part of this, but Tennessee can’t seem to catch a break with them.

Bob Shoop will have to shake up his linebacker depth chart once more. Expect Quart’e Sapp and Elliott Berry to fill in for McDowell. Fortunately for the Vols, UMass is coming to town this Saturday. They’ll have a week to work things out before Georgia visits.