Tennessee will be missing a key starter for its regular-season finale and upcoming bowl game. Josh Heupel announced Monday that offensive guard Javontez Spraggins is out for the remainder of the 2023 campaign.

Spraggins was injured in the second half of Tennessee’s loss to Georgia.

“Spraggs will be out the remainder of the season,” Heupel told reporters. “Unfortunate injury. A guy that pours into his teammates. Has great energy. Competes extremely hard. Plays really hard. Continues to get better as a player. Disappointing for him, certainly.”

Spraggins is in his 4th year at UT. A starter since the 2021 season, Spraggins made multiple outlets’ preseason All-SEC lists for 2023. The NCAA’s COVID-19 waiver for the 2020 season allows him the option to return for a 5th year in 2024.

While the Vols are getting a bit thin, they should be fine for Saturday’s regular-season finale. Vanderbilt heads to Knoxville on a 9-game losing skid. The Commodores opened the season with wins over Hawaii and Alabama A&M, but have dropped all 7 of their SEC contests, as well as games against Wake Forest and UNLV.

Tennessee is looking to improve to 8-4 on the year. The Vols will learn their bowl game assignment on Sunday, Dec. 4.