SEC Network provides Brandon Turnage injury update in Tennessee-UT Martin game

Tennessee fans can breathe a little easier after witnessing a potentially scary Brandon Turnage injury in the first half of a blowout against UT-Martin.

SEC Network sideline reporter Alyssa Lang provided an update on Turnage early in the second half after the safety left the game after crashing into a padded brick wall just past the end zone in the first half of the Tennessee-UT Martin game on Saturday.

“Yeah guys, just a quick update on Brandon Turnage, the Tennessee defensive back who went out in the first half,” Lang reported on the air. “He is back out on the sidelines, he’s wearing sweatpants. He will be out for the remainder of the game, but Tennessee has told me that it is nothing that will carry into next week.”

Turnage crashed into the padding behind the end zone on UT-Martin’s lone scoring drive in the first half.

Skyhawks quarterback Dresser Winn targeted receiver DeVonte Tankersly on a corner route into the left side of the end zone, and Turnage was one of two Volunteers defenders who was there to help break up the pass.

But after helping jar the ball loose, Turnage landed awkwardly on his butt and his momentum carried him into the wall. His neck and upper back collided with the padding, leaving Turnage temporarily shaken up.

He then took a knee and was tended to by athletic trainers, who quickly escorted him into the locker room. Turnage was able to walk there on his own power.

The good news? No lingering impacts.

“He should be fine to go after this,” Lang said. “Just precautionary with Tennessee having such a big lead at this point.”

Brandon Turnage injury minor, good news for banged-up Vols

That Brandon Turnage’s injury appears to be minor is great news for Tennessee, which entered the day already down one safety.

Jaylen McCollough was out for the game, as ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported before the game on Saturday. Tennessee, of course, has had no issues without either safety against UT-Martin.

The Volunteers jumped out to an early 52-7 lead at halftime, getting to backup quarterback Joe Milton before the first half even ended.

Coming on the heels of the massive Alabama win last week, Tennessee has kept cruising. Now the Volunteers prepare for a vital stretch that could very well decide the SEC East.

Tennessee will host No. 19 Kentucky next week before traveling to No. 1 Georgia on Nov. 5.