BRISTOL, TN - SEPTEMBER 10: Full back Sam Rogers #45 of the Virginia Tech Hokies carries the ball while being pursued by linebacker Colton Jumper #53 of the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half of the game at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 10, 2016 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)

Tennessee finds new middle linebacker after Darrin Kirkland's injury

This guy better not get injured too.

Tennessee might have looked much better against Virginia Tech than it did against Appalachian State the week before, but the Vols didn't come out of the Battle at Bristol unscathed. Middle linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. went down with an ankle injury and the Vols had to scramble to find his replacement.

RELATED: This 2nd grader sums up Tennessee's game against App State better than anyone

It looks like they have their replacement for the Ohio game this weekend. The team released its depth chart and Colton Jumper is listed as the starter, but with no backup either.

With no backup, coach Butch Jones and his staff are hoping for a best case scenario where Jumper pretty much never leaves the field and doesn't get injured. That's a bit risky, but the playing time for the junior will be invaluable and could help out Tennessee down the road.

 

[h/t Saturday Down South]