David Sanders injury update: Tennessee, Mississippi State reveal status of key players on Thursday report

On Saturday, No. 15 Tennessee and Mississippi State will square off at 3:15 p.m. CDT. It’s the Bulldogs’ first SEC matchup this season, unlike the Volunteers, who suffered a 44-41 loss in overtime to Georgia in Week 3.

While Tennessee has had a strong start to its season, the team has battled its fair share of injury issues. Volunteers cornerback Jermod McCoy still hasn’t played this season as he recovers from a torn ACL he suffered last season.

Freshman offensive lineman David Sanders Jr. also hasn’t seen any action in the 2025 campaign, but is fighting to return. Mississippi State has far fewer injuries, but still isn’t expected to be at full-strength for the showdown, either. For both teams’ updated availability reports, look below.

No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers

RB Hunter Barnes – OUT
DB Rickey Gibson III – OUT
DL Daevin Hobbs – OUT
WR Radarious Jackson – OUT
DB Jermod McCoy – OUT
DL Jaxson Moi – PROBABLE
RB Daune Morris – QUESTIONABLE
OL David Sanders Jr. – QUESTIONABLE
TE Ethan Davis – QUESTIONABLE
DL Mariyon Dye – QUESTIONABLE

Mississippi State Bulldogs

LB Derion Gullette – Doubtful
OL Blake Steen – OUT
DL Will Whitson – OUT

Tennessee bounced back from its loss to Georgia with a dominant 56-24 win over UAB in Week 4. In the victory, Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar completed 15-of-his-22 pass attempts for 218 yards and three touchdowns, while only throwing one interception.

The Volunteers found a surplus of success in the ground game as well, racking up 239 total rushing yards and four scores. In contrast, UAB couldn’t find any hole in Tennessee’s run defense. The Volunteers held UAB to just 23 rushing yards on 19 carries.

Tennessee isn’t the only team off to a hot start this season. Mississippi State looks much improved in Year 2 under head coach Jeff Lebby. The Bulldogs were 1-3 this time last year. Now, they’re 4-0, with a chance to knock off Tennessee.

Quarterback Blake Shapen has been key to Mississippi State’s uptick in success. He’s amassed 884 passing yards and seven touchdowns this season, while only throwing two interceptions.

Mississippi State’s best win of the season thus far was its 24-20 victory over Arizona State, which was ranked No. 12 in the country at the time. In the triumph, the Bulldogs’ defense held ASU to 333 yards and forced the Sun Devils to commit two turnovers.

Mississippi State will need another complete effort to knock off Tennessee. The Volunteers have won their last two meetings against Mississippi State.

The two SEC programs will go head-to-head on Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CDT. The game will air live on the SEC Network.