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Butch Jones updates status of linebackers Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Darrin Kirkland Jr.
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Tennessee will be without the services at least one linebacker when it takes on Texas A&M this weekend, but the Volunteers might get another one back for the huge SEC clash.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who has been battling a shoulder injury over the last few weeks, will not play, coach Butch Jones said during a Wednesday news conference. Darrin Kirkland Jr., however, is practicing in hopes to play for the first time since suffering an ankle injury against Virginia Tech on Sept. 10.
#Vols coach Butch Jones said LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin is OUT this week. Said will continue exploring his "short term" and "long term" options.
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) October 5, 2016
#Vols coach Butch Jones said LB Darrin Kirkland Jr. is "day to day." He's been practicing and have to make sure he's "game ready."
— Tennessee Beat (@TennesseeBeat) October 5, 2016
Reeves-Maybin has 20 tackles and two tackles for loss despite missing all of last week’s Georgia game and most of Tennessee’s win against Florida on Sept. 24. Kirkland, a sophomore, piled up 16 tackles and a sack before his injury.
Kirkland’s return would help shore up a defense tasked with stopping the SEC’s most potent offense. We’ll see if he’s back in the mix when the No. 9 Volunteers (5-0, 2-0) travel to face the No. 8 Aggies (5-0, 3-0) at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday on CBS.
Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
