The Tennessee Volunteers kick off the 2019 season on Saturday against Georgia State, and they’ll do it without a key defender.

Per 247Sports, coach Jeremy Pruitt said that starting LB Daniel Bituli would miss the opener against the Panthers.

Pruitt revealed last week that Bituli had a recent knee procedure, and this seems to be a precaution stemming from that.

It makes sense that Bituli wouldn’t play against Georgia State, but we’ll see if he’s back in time for Week 2 against BYU. Pruitt said last week that Bituli could be out for 10-17 days.

Last season, Bituli recorded 79 tackles, (7 for a loss) and 1 sack.