Jeremy Pruitt talks Jarrett Guarantano’s injury

Just a week after a career day against Auburn, Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano was forced to leave the game against Alabama. Guarantano has proven to be tough so far in his time in Knoxville, but he took one too many shots against an aggressive Alabama defense on Saturday.

Keller Chryst came on in relief and Guarantano did not return. He could be seen on the sidelines in street clothes during the second half.

However, according to Austin Price of VolQuest, the injury isn’t anything too serious. It’s bruised ribs for Guarantano, but nothing is broken.

“Jarrett got hit, probably every time he threw the football,” Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt said after the game. “Keller came in and made some good throws, so we just stayed with Keller. (Guarantano) will be back.”

Chryst led two touchdown drives in relief, tossing two passes for scores after the game was already out of hand. He finished the day 9-15 for 164 yards.

“We gave them some unusual looks, so that probably had something to do with it,” Pruitt said of Chryst’s success. “We had some protection and made some plays down there. But we can’t be one dimensional. We’ve got to be able to run the football to give our offense a chance.”

Pruitt didn’t offer much in terms of a timetable, but he did rule out a collarbone injury for Guarantano. We should get more information tomorrow during Pruitt’s Monday press conference.