Tennessee's LaDarrell McNeil to miss 'extended period of time' with neck injury
Tennessee just can't avoid the injury bug.
Volunteers safety LaDarrell McNeil will miss "an extended period of time" after suffering a neck injury, head coach Butch Jones announced Thursday. McNeil was a significant contributor to Tennessee's secondary last season, posting 76 tackles and two interceptions in 12 games.
Injuries are nothing new to Jones and company this offseason. The Tennessee offensive line is also banged up, with two guards sidelined with torn biceps, including starter Marcus Jackson.
Not only that, the receiving corps has suddenly taken a hit. Jones added Thursday that Jason Croom and Vincent Perry will have scopes to check the extent of their respective knee injuries, while fellow wideout Pig Howard has been suspended for the season opener.
The Volunteers have little choice but to press on and hope some less experienced players can make a contribution.
"We need other individuals to step up and embrace their roles," Jones added.
Tennessee will open its season on Sept. 5 when it hosts Bowling Green.