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After missing a couple of games due to injury, Juwan Mitchell has now been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel made the announcement during his Monday press conference.
Heupel: LB Juwan Mitchell will be out for the rest of the season. He had shoulder surgery.
— GoVols247 (@GoVols247) October 11, 2021
Mitchell was a huge get for Tennessee, which badly needed help at the linebacker position following the departure of Henry To’o To’o and Quavaris Crouch. Mitchell chose the Volunteers after opting to transfer from Texas, but his 2021 season lasted just three games.
The 6-1, 226 pound linebacker is listed as a senior this season, but should have the opportunity to return for another season, thanks to the NCAA’s COVID year rule. Mitchell also has not used his redshirt season, so he could potentially have two years remaining in Knoxville.
Mitchell started against Bowling Green and Pittsburgh, and was limited against Florida. He recorded eight tackles in those three games.
Tennessee has been rolling with Jeremy Banks, Aaron Beasley and Solon Page at inside linebacker with Mitchell out. Each guy has been impressive in their fill-in roles, but obviously this is a blow to the depth with the bulk of the schedule coming over the next month.