Squirrel White injury update: Tennessee WR heads to locker room vs Ohio State

Tennessee has struggled to get anything going on offense against Ohio State, having just three points late in the second quarter. Losing one of the team’s top weapons certainly does not help the Volunteers. Unfortunately, it appears as if wide receiver Squirrel White will be out of the game for some time.

White caught a pass from Nico Iamaleava but was slow to get up. Tennessee trainers made their way onto the field but White was on his feet by then, walking off under his own power. Multiple trips to the medical tent were made due to a right leg injury.

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Right before halftime, White was seen heading back to the Tennessee locker room. ABC’s broadcast later showed him in the tunnel and with a quite noticeable limp.

“Tennessee WR Squirrel White being taken to the locker room after being injured earlier this quarter,” ESPN’s Chris Low said via X. “White has been hampered by injuries this season.”

White has just one reception for 17 yards on the night. The injury took place after making his catch.

Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava cracks helmet early vs. Ohio State

Josh Heupel knew the physicality was coming on Saturday against Ohio State. The Tennessee head coach probably did not bet on his quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, having a cracked helmet after one drive. But as Iamaleavea left for the sideline early in the first quarter with a huge crack on a white portion of his helmet.

Ohio State was attempting to get Iamaleava to the ground on a third down when linebacker Cody Simon stepped up. A big collision between the two did see helmet-to-helmet contact but not to the degree of targeting.

Before taking the field for Tennessee’s second drive, a completely new helmet was required. A scramble for the team’s equipment staff, even if the Ohio State offense gave them a little time to provide a replacement.

“It was a huge hit,” ESPN’s Marty Smith said. “In fact, it put a six-inch crack on top of Nico Iamaleava’s helmet. He now has a new helmet. The equipment staff of Tennessee worked vigorously during that last time to try to prepare for the new helmet. They just told me, the equipment staff did, it was very similar to what happened to Patrick Mahomes‘ helmet in Kansas City a few weeks back.”