Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel updates Squirrel White's status

Fans of the Tennessee Volunteers got a bit of a scare on Saturday during the Vols' 49-13 win over Virginia when WR Squirrel White went down with an injury early in the third quarter. They can breathe a sigh of relief on Monday. Josh Heupel addressed the media on Monday and advised that White not […]

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Sep 4, 2023 1:36 PM EDT

Josh Heupel addressed the media on Monday and advised that White not returning had to do with the situation rather than the injury itself.

“Squirrel, it was just the time of the game," Heupel said. "That was the only reason he wasn’t back in the game. I feel like we’re in a good spot there with those guys.”

White wasn't the only player who was dinged up, as DL Omari Thomas also suffered an injury late in the third quarter. Fortunately, both were able to leave the field under their own power, and Heupel's update confirms the appearance that both injuries were minor and should not keep either off the field going forward.

White led the Tennessee receiving corps in catches with 6 for 45 yards despite being fourth among all receivers in snap count (39). He also earned a Pro Football Focus offensive grade of 68.8, highest among all receivers and fifth highest among all offensive players. Thomas totaled 3 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss in 24 snaps, good for a 67.8 PFF defensive grade.

Tennessee fortunately avoided major injuries in the season opener, which should be the number one priority in the team's second game against Austin Peay.