David Sanders Jr. injury update: Josh Heupel updates status of Tennessee freshman

For the third consecutive week, Tennessee freshman offensive lineman David Sanders Jr. didn’t suit up for the Volunteers. On Monday, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel provided an update on Sanders’ recovery.

“Mentally, I think anytime anybody in this game gets injured and isn’t cleared to play, it’s a tough battle,” Heupel said. “You grow, you compete, you strain, get yourself prepared to go play. And he has certainly done that. And, (it’s a) unique injury that — doctors are uncertain. That’s why he’s kind of been day-to-day for a while here and uncertain. It’s not like a sprained ankle. And, I say that meaning there’s not a definitive timeline.

“He’s been having to fight through that. Guy wants to be out there. It hurts him badly. Our football team, guys in his position room, can see that. But he’s been a good teammate, too, and I think as a young guy staying the course through something that’s a little bit unknown is hard. He’s done a good job with it. Just going to continue to do that and hopefully our doctors clear him at some point relatively quickly.”

Heupel previously revealed Sanders was “nicked up” in practice the week leading up to Tennessee’s Week 1 showdown against Syracuse. Heupel also said he’d expected Sanders to play in Week 1 and Week 2, but the program’s medical staff ultimately kept Sanders sidelined for both games.

David Sanders Jr. Sanders was a five-star prospect and the No. 2 offensive tackle in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. While Tennessee would love for Sanders to be available, the team’s offensive line has been strong this season.

Tennessee’s front five didn’t allow any sacks through the Volunteers’ first two games of the season. In their grueling 44-41 loss to Georgia in overtime on Saturday, Tennessee still only gave up one sack. The unit is ranked sixth in the country in sacks allowed this season.

With David Sanders’ return appearing to be imminent, fans only expect Tennessee’s offensive line to continue to improve. Heupel hopes the highly-touted freshman will be ready for Tennessee’s game against UAB on Saturday.

“Our medical staff is doing everything that they can. It’s a little bit of an unknown timeframe,” Heupel said. “He could wake up tomorrow and be ready to go. Obviously he’s had some time, some healing. We hope that happens before we get to Saturday.”