The hits keep on coming for the Tennessee Vols on the injury front.

A few days after Butch Jones announced starting cornerback Rashaan Gaulden would miss the 2015 season with a foot injury, it was revealed Thursday the Vols have lost another starter in the secondary for an extended period of time.

Senior safety LaDarrell McNeil, a preseason All-SEC defensive back according to Phil Steele, is out indefinitely with a neck issue.

“LaDarrell McNeil, this one came kind of out of nowhere,” Jones said during his weekly press conference. “Very, very unfortunate. I feel for him. He’s had some neck instability there, so he’s undergoing further examination. But he will be out an extended period of time, and it could be a lengthy period of time.”

McNeil started 12 games last season, splitting time at the free and strong spots.

Todd Kelly will likely step into a starting role at the back end.