Tennessee turns to Dye, Norman after Weathersby injury
The Vols must replace a team-high seven sacks before Saturday’s road game against Texas A&M.
Tennessee defensive end Tyree Weathersby will miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury in Saturday’s 34-6 win over Kentucky. Coach Josh Heupel said Monday that Mariyon Dye and Jordan Norman are the leading options to absorb his snaps, with younger players also expected to enter the rotation.
Weathersby leads Tennessee with seven sacks and ranks third on the team with 8.5 tackles for loss. His sack total ranked third in the SEC entering the Kentucky game. Tennessee will be without that production over the final three regular-season games and the postseason.
Heupel said Tennessee has “great trust” in Dye and Norman, adding that both have played well. Freshman Hezekiah Harris is another candidate after receiving a handful of snaps following Weathersby’s injury against Kentucky.
Harris has developed through special teams and his practice work, according to Heupel. The coach said Harris has become more mature in his daily approach, helping him earn greater trust from teammates and coaches.
Weathersby’s breakout included two sacks, a career-best 2.5 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and four total tackles against Alabama on Oct. 17. Against No. 1 Texas on Sept. 26, his career highs included 2.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss, while his six tackles matched his career high.
The injury is Tennessee’s eighth season-ending loss. Wendell Moe Jr., Dylan Lewis, Ethan Davis, Joakim Dodson, Edrees Farooq, Jaedon Harmon and Jadais Richard are also out for the season with injuries detailed by the report.
No. 9 Tennessee, 7-2 overall and 4-2 in SEC play, visits Texas A&M on Saturday. The Aggies’ record is 4-5 overall and 1-5 in the conference.
Why it matters
Weathersby leads Tennessee with seven sacks and has 8.5 tackles for loss. His absence removes the Vols’ top pass rusher for three remaining regular-season games and the postseason.
What to watch next
Tennessee plays at Texas A&M on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN, with Dye, Norman and Harris in line for expanded roles.
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