Tennessee LB Curt Maggitt out 'for extended period of time'
Not only did Tennessee blow a 17-point lead in Saturday night’s double overtime loss to Oklahoma, it also lost once of its best defensive players for the foreseeable future.
Vols head coach Butch Jones announced Monday that Curt Maggitt, a fifth-year senior, is out for “an extended period of time” after suffering a hip injury while serving on punt team.
Jones called it a “freak injury” and said he would learn more about a timetable for Maggitt’s possible return later in the week.
"I still don’t know to the extent of how long it’ll be," Jones said. "He’s in the process right now of going through the evaluation process. I should know a little bit more probably by the end of the week, but he will be out for an indefinite period of time."
Maggitt plays both linebacker and defensive end for the Vols. He was a first-team preseason All-SEC selection after totaling 11 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2014.
Maggitt’s standout 2014 performance came after nearly 20 months away from the field.
After starting eight games as a true freshman in 2011, Maggitt returned as Tennessee’s starting middle linebacker in 2012 but tore his right ACL in the ninth game of the season. Instead of rushing back, Maggitt opted to redshirt the 2013 season in order to come back at full strength in 2014.
Jones has often referred to Maggitt is the leader of the defense, so the loss is huge one as the UT prepares for its SEC slate.
"We all know what Curt means to us not only from a leadership standpoint and a character standpoint, but from a productivity standpoint as well," Jones said. "We feel for him."
Before SEC play gets underway, the Vols (1-1) host Western Carolina at home on Saturday night.
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!
