The Tennessee Vols are set to travel to Fayetteville this weekend for a matchup with the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Tennessee is looking for its first win against Arkansas since 2007 (the Vols have rarely played Arkansas in recent years, going 0-3 against the Razorbacks since 2007).
On Wednesday, the Vols received some good news that could help the program get a win against Arkansas on Saturday night.
Tennessee released its first SEC injury availability report of the week and starting offensive tackles Lance Heard and John Campbell were both not listed on the report.
Heard, Tennessee’s starting left tackle, missed the Vols’ last two games while dealing with an ankle injury. The LSU transfer had a chance to play against Oklahoma two weeks ago, but he ultimately didn’t make the trip to Norman with the team.
Campbell, the Vols’ starting right tackle, has been banged up all season. He played just 34 of 75 offensive snaps in Tennessee’s win against Oklahoma due to injury.
Getting Heard and Campbell back this week will bolster Tennessee’s offensive line in a key SEC road game. Heard and Campbell are undoubtedly the Vols’ two best options at tackle. And their return to the lineup instantly improves UT’s depth along the offensive line.
Tennessee’s College Football Playoff hopes are essentially dependent on the offensive line staying healthy. It’s one of the few positions where the Vols don’t have elite depth. Having Heard and Campbell back on the field against Arkansas will be big for Tennessee, but keeping them healthy is ultimately the season-long goal.