Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers built some momentum in 2021, going 7-6 in his first year at the helm of the program.

But, as the Vols prepare to try to improve on that record this fall, they’ll have to do so without a key backup running back.

During a press conference on Sunday, Heupel confirmed that RB Len’Neth Whitehead would be out for the entire year with an upper body injury:

Whitehead ran 32 times for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman in 2021. He was expected to be a key backup to starter Jabari Small this fall.

How will the Vols fare without Whitehead? We’ll see who steps up to fill that role in the Tennessee offense this fall.