Tennessee DB LaDarrell McNeil out with neck injury, WR Pig Howard suspended
The injury bug continues to bite Tennessee.
Vols head coach Butch Jones said Thursday that senior safety LaDarrell McNeil will be out “for an extended period of time” due to “neck instability.”
“This one came kind of out of nowhere,” Jones said. “He's had some neck instability there, so he's undergoing further examination, but he will be out an extended period of time. It could be a lengthy period of time, but everything is about the welfare of our student athletes and making sure that there's life after football and everything that he's going through.”
McNeil is entering his fourth year as a starter for the Vols. He has played in 36 games, including 31 starts, over the past three seasons and is one of the leaders of the defense. In those three seasons, McNeil has tallied a total of 188 tackles and three interceptions.
Jones also announced that senior receiver Pig Howard is suspended for the season opener against Bowling Green for violating team rules. Jones said the violation occurred months ago.
“This isn't something that just occurred, this is something that dates back many months,” Jones said. “However, to (Howard’s) credit, I like the way he's approached training camp. He's had the best training camp he's had since we've been here. I'm appreciative of his efforts, but he will miss the Bowling Green game.”
Howard had 54 catches for 618 yards and a touchdown last season to lead the team in both categories. He also added two rushing touchdowns.
In his three seasons, Howard has 111 catches for 1,060 yards and five touchdowns.
Additionally, Jones told reporters that freshman receiver Vincent Perry is out with a meniscus injury and junior receiver Jason Croom, who has been dealing with a knee injury, will have his knee scoped on Friday. Croom, who caught 21 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns in 2014, originally injured the knee in December and has missed most of preseason camp.
Guard Austin Sanders (biceps), defensive back Rashaan Gaulden (foot) have already been ruled out for the season. Guard Marcus Jackson is also expected to miss the season with a biceps injury.
For more Tennessee news, visit VolQuest.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
