Injury reports from Razorbacks, Volunteers ahead of Saturday matchup

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas and Tennessee each released their SEC-required injury and availability reports ahead of Saturday’s 2025 matchup, highlighting which roster players will be unavailable or doubtful for the game in Knoxville.

Arkansas, led by interim coach Bobby Petrino, comes off a bye week with a 2–3 overall record (0–1 SEC).

Tennessee, under Josh Heupel, enters at 4–1 (1–1 SEC). Both teams are managing roster gaps that could impact depth charts and game plans.

Arkansas loses multiple wideouts and depth defenders

The Razorbacks’ injury list features several notable absences from the 2025 roster. Wide receivers Monte Harrison, Ismael Cisse, and Jalen Brown are ruled out.

Harrison continues to recover from a broken foot, Cisse remains sidelined following wrist surgery, and Brown is out with a leg injury after a productive start to the season.

Petrino acknowledged the loss of depth, calling it “part of the grind of a long season,” and said younger receivers must step up.

O’Mega Blake, Raylen Sharpe, CJ Brown, and freshman Antonio Jordan are expected to take on heavier roles in the passing game.

Defensively, senior lineman David Oke and cornerback Quentavius Scandrett are also unavailable.

That opens opportunities for younger players such as Charlie Collins, Ken Talley, and T.J. Metcalf to contribute in expanded roles.

With limited options at receiver, Arkansas will likely rely more on Taylen Green’s dual-threat abilities.

The Razorbacks are expected to emphasize short passing routes, quarterback runs, and ball control to compensate for the depleted receiving corps.

Vols missing key secondary players, TE uncertain

Tennessee’s injury report includes several notable defensive absences.

Cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III are ruled out, thinning a secondary that has already been tested by SEC passing attacks. McCoy is still recovering from a knee injury, and Gibson remains sidelined with a lower-body issue.

Heupel praised McCoy’s commitment during recovery but said the cornerback is “still working through the process” and won’t be rushed back.

Freshman wide receiver Radarious Jackson is also out, removing a promising young target from Tennessee’s rotation.

Tight end Ethan Davis remains questionable with a lingering shoulder issue, but freshman Jack Van Dorselaer has filled in capably when called upon.

The Volunteers do gain reinforcements in the defensive front, with sophomore lineman Daevin Hobbs cleared to return.

His addition restores some depth inside and helps Tennessee rotate more effectively alongside Omarr Norman-Lott and Tyre West.

Impact on rotations and game planning

Arkansas’ offensive approach is expected to adjust significantly.

With Harrison, Cisse, and Brown out, the Razorbacks must rely on Sharpe, Blake, and CJ Brown to generate separation and big plays.

Petrino could also involve running backs Jaden Braxton and Isaiah Augustave more heavily to diversify the offense.

Green’s running ability remains a central element of the game plan.

Expect Arkansas to feature more RPO sets and designed quarterback runs to sustain drives and manage tempo.

Tennessee’s depleted secondary places additional pressure on emerging corners such as Boo Carter, Ty Redmond, and Colton Hood.

Heupel may counter by relying on a more aggressive pass rush, leveraging Hobbs’ interior presence and Tyler Baron’s edge speed.

The Vols’ balanced offensive attack, led by quarterback Joey Aguilar, should test Arkansas’ coverage depth, while the Razorbacks’ defensive front will look to disrupt timing and limit Tennessee’s tempo.

Key stakes entering SEC stretch

Both teams are battling midseason attrition in one of the nation’s most physical conferences.

Arkansas is trying to rebound from consecutive losses to Ole Miss, Memphis, and Notre Dame, while Tennessee is attempting to maintain momentum ahead of a pivotal October schedule that includes Alabama and Kentucky.

Petrino said the open week allowed the Razorbacks to reset and re-evaluate schemes to : “heal up and tighten things up mentally.”

Heupel is looking for development from younger players, noting that “this is the point in the season where depth determines who keeps improving.”

Depth management, adjustments, and in-game flexibility will likely decide which team leaves Knoxville with a key SEC victory.

Key takeaways

• Arkansas will be without wide receivers Monte Harrison, Ismael Cisse, and Jalen Brown, along with defenders David Oke and Quentavius Scandrett.

• Tennessee loses cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III, with tight end Ethan Davis questionable and defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs returning.

• Both teams face lineup challenges requiring schematic creativity and strong performances from younger contributors.