Extent of Kirkland’s injury not known

KNOXVILLE — The status of one of Tennessee’s key defensive veterans is awaiting further clarification as the Volunteers enter their final week of preparation for next Monday’s season opener against Georgia Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Starting middle linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. was injured in practice this past weekend, leading to reports he could be sidelined for the opener — and possibly longer.

Kirkland is “still being evaluated,” Vols coach Butch Jones told “The Nation” radio show Sunday night. In addition, Zach Stipe, Tennessee’s director of football communications, released a statement that said “If there are any updates, head coach Butch Jones will give them this week during his media availabilities.”

A high ankle sprain sidelined Kirkland for several games of his sophomore season in 2016, but he made 45 tackles (five for loss) despite missing five full games. He was named to the 2017 Athlon Sports preseason All-Southeastern Conference third team.

Missing Kirkland would be a blow to the linebackers, but earlier in the preseason, defensive coordinator Bob Shoop said earlier the staff views Baylor School graduate Colton Jumper “as a one” at the position. The senior would be the likely starter if Kirkland is out.

“He has a great command for the entirety of the defense, not just what he does, but what everybody else does,” Shoop said of Jumper. “He can solve and fix problems on the field like you would hope a middle linebacker or safety would be able to do.”

Sophomore Daniel Bituli and freshman Will Ignont have played primarily at middle linebacker in preseason practices.

Contact David Cobb at dcobb@ timesfreepress.com.