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Rickey Gibson, Jaxson Moi injury update: Josh Heupel reveals status for Week 2

Chandler Vesselsby: Chandler Vessels09/01/25ChandlerVessels
rickey gibson jaxson moi
Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Josh Heupel delivered bad news on the injury front heading into Tennessee‘s Week 2 contest against East Tennessee State. The Vols coach revealed in his Monday press conference that both cornerback Rickey Gibson and defensive tackle Jaxson Moi have been ruled out for the game.

Heupel stated that Gibson will be out “an extended period” after injuring his left arm in Saturday’s season opener against Syracuse. The exact nature of the injury is unknown. Gibson played in 12 games last season recording 32 tackles and 5 passes defended and a forced fumble.

Additionally, Moi will miss this week, but Heupel added that he “hope(s) to get him back quickly.” He also left Saturday’s game after suffering an upper arm injury in the first quarter Saturday.

Tennessee was already depleted in its secondary to start the season with Jermond McCoy still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in January. Colorado transfer Colton Hood stepped up in the opener after Gibson went down to finish with three pass breakups.

As for the defensive line, Bryson Eason will be expected to step up as a leader with Moi sidelined in Week 2. Heupel explained that he liked what he saw out of some of the younger players who were thrust into bigger roles and, unfortunately, that will have to continue into this week.

“I like the guys that got more play than maybe anticipated in the football game,” he said. “We got some young guys that continue to get better and feel like they’re gonna be able to play at a high level. …In this game, strength of a position group can’t be one guy. Everybody’s gotta be ready and prepared when they get their call and we gotta be ready to go.”

It appears Moi could have a chance to return sooner rather than later. The main concern is how long it could take for Gibson to get back on the field. Hopefully we’ll hear more about his return timeline and what the injury is at a later date.

For now, the Vols will focus on preparing for the game against East Tennessee State, which is set to kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. After that, they have a massive game looming as they open up SEC play against Georgia in Week 3. Moi’s status will certainly be one to watch heading into that game.