Squirrel White injury update: Latest emerges on Tennessee WR after departure vs Alabama

In the third quarter of Saturday’s matchup against Alabama, Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White was slow to get up before heading to the sideline. He has been playing through a shoulder injury in recent weeks, and ABC’s Molly McGrath had an update on his status.

White went to make a catch on a pass from Nico Iamaleava in the third quarter, but stayed on the turf while the trainers came out. He later walked to the sideline and stayed there, although McGrath said he was fighting to return to the annual rivalry matchup with Alabama.

“Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White couldn’t fully lift his right arm to lift his helmet, but I’m told he is insisting on returning to this game,” McGrath said on the broadcast. “Greg mentioned, he’s been playing through this injury for a while now. He is refusing to let it keep him off the field, guys.”

White is a key piece of the Tennessee offense this season and a top target for Iamaleava. He entered Saturday’s game as the Vols’ leader in receptions with 20 and second on the team with 230 receiving yards. However, at the time of his departure, White didn’t have a reception.

Alabama and Tennessee struggled to get much going on offense in the first half as the Crimson Tide took a 7-0 lead into the locker room. In the second half, the Volunteers finally got on the board thanks to a surgical 91-yard drive capped by a Dylan Sampson touchdown to tie things up at 7-7.

Tennessee also suffered another injury scare in the first half when Iamaleava left the game and briefly headed to the injury tent. He was back out on the ensuing possession, though, and McGrath reported it was a minor hip injury.

“Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava was clutching his left side in pain in their injury tent,” McGrath reported. “I’m told it’s his left hip that was injured. You saw him warming up. He looked a little bit rattled but told teammates, ‘I’m OK.’”