Josh Heupel comments on injury status for David Sanders ahead of UAB matchup
By Jyesha Nance
Published:
Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel recently provided an update on the injury status of former five-star recruit David Sanders, who has yet to make his collegiate debut due to a lingering shoulder issue.
Sanders, ranked as the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2025 class according to 247Sports composite, was on track to start at right tackle for the Volunteers. However, he has been sidelined since Tennessee’s season-opener against Syracuse and has struggled to return.
“I don’t know (what Sanders’ return timetable looks like). We’ll see. I talked about that on Monday. It’s something where he’s not necessarily in control of it,” Heupel said. “And when I say that, it’s a unique situation. He’s chomping at the bit. He’s been a great teammate through the adversity. It’s another thing that, in particular, our young guys have to learn or navigate. At some point in this game, everyone gets nicked up. He’s done a great job of mentally staying engaged. As soon as our medical staff clears him, he’ll be ready to go play.”
The challenge is compound by nature of the injury. As an offensive lineman, shoulder strength and stability are crucial to play effectively, making Sanders’ recovery particularly difficult. Heupel best described the injury as “unique and unpredictable.”
“Mentally, I think anytime anybody in this game gets injured and isn’t clear to play, it’s a tough battle, mentally,” Heupel continued. “You grow, you compete, you strive to get yourself prepared to go play, and he has certainly done that. A unique injury that the doctors are uncertain, that’s why he’s been day-to-day for a while here.”
For now, there is no clear indication for Sanders’ return. He remains listed as day-to-day, leaving uncertainty around when the highly touted lineman will finally be healthy enough to play in his first collegiate game.
