Tennessee senior safety Todd Kelly Jr. will undergo surgery this week to repair a dislocated knee, effectively ending his season, sources told GoVols247.
Videos by FanBuzz
Kelly's injury occurred early enough into the season that he will be able to opt for a medical redshirt and could earn an extra year of eligibility.
The former four-star prospect appeared in 40 games and recorded 153 total career tackles during his collegiate career.
During Tennessee's season opener against Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Kelly came off the bench and recorded three tackles. He also had four additional tackles against Indiana State during the Vols' home opener in Week 2.
However, Kelly did not make the trip to Gainesville for Tennessee's first SEC game of the season against Florida due to the lingering knee injury. Prior to the game, FOX Sports Knoxville's Jon Reed first reported through sources with knowledge of the situation that Kelly would be inactive and likely needed season-ending surgery.
Todd Kelly will be out tomorrow w/ a lingering knee issue. He's facing a tough decision about whether or not to shut it down & have surgery
— Jon Reed (@Jon__Reed) September 15, 2017
Update: Being told there's not really a decision to make. "It's torn" https://t.co/WBIsNX0YTc
— Jon Reed (@Jon__Reed) September 15, 2017
Kelly's injury has led to more playing time for Nigel Warrior and Micah Abernathy at the two starting safety spots in his absence.
The Vols are currently in their bye week and will resume action against South Carolina on Oct. 14.
