Tennessee racks up injuries to key players in win over South Carolina

With Brian Maurer unavailable against South Carolina, Tennessee started redshirt freshman JT Shrout under center on Saturday night. Actually, it was Jauan Jennings taking the first snap at quarterback for the Volunteers.

Shrout would lead the opening drive to a field goal — only to be replaced by Jarrett Guarantano. Tennessee’s junior quarterback delivered for his team today, making up for the botched quarterback sneak last week against Alabama.

But on a touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings in the third quarter, Guarantano took a shot. He quickly exited the sidelines and headed to the locker room. Guarantano would return to the sidelines, but did not come back in the game.

He finished the day 11-19 for 229 yards and two touchdown passes.

Things got more worrisome in the fourth quarter as Darrell Taylor needed assistance to get off of the field. Tennessee’s star pass rusher had himself a night, consistently wrecking the pocket around Ryan Hilinski.

If there’s one player that the Vols can’t lose on defense, it’s him.

Earlier in the game, Wanya Morris and Darnell Wright each left the game which forced Tennessee to shuffle the offensive line once again. Morris was able to return, but Wright was ruled out with a leg injury.

The good news? None of that mattered as the Volunteers took the Gamecocks to the woodshed.

Jeremy Pruitt didn’t know much about the status of these injuries after the game, saying that he needed to speak with his team doctors first. Expect an update on Monday at noon during his weekly press conference.

With now very important games coming up down the stretch, Tennessee is now set to deal with a new batch of critical injuries. Next up for Tennessee will be UAB, then a trip to Kentucky.

Update: Jeremy Pruitt said on the post game show that Guarantano has a broken bone in his non-throwing wrist. Pruitt said he should be available for next week’s game.