Zakai Zeigler injury update: Rick Barnes gives worrisome reaction after Tennessee guard leaves game vs. Kentucky

When Zakai Zeigler went down with an injury in the first half Tuesday night against Kentucky, he immediately headed toward the Tennessee locker room. That’s why Rick Barnes was “worried” at halftime about the guard’s status.

Zeigler went for a layup with 2:17 to go in the first half and his knee appeared to lock up. He immediately headed toward the sideline for further evaluation, pulling himself out of the game.

The fact he didn’t bounce back raised concerns for Barnes. He expressed his worry for his point guard heading into the break.

“I don’t know,” Barnes told ESPN’s Molly McGrath on his way to the locker room. “For him to run off the court, it worries me because I’ve never seen him do that. I would’ve expected him to bounce right back up. It’s something, for him to do that. Worried about it, really.”

Zeigler came out to warm up at the break, though. He ended up starting the second half, and McGrath said the medical staff’s concerns came down to pain and swelling.

“Zeigler was manually evaluated by Tennessee’s medical staff. It was determined he didn’t need any X-Rays. They did not fear any structural damage. When he ran out of the tunnel to warm up, the entire arena had some relieved cheers. He warmed up, moved well, showed no limitations. The Tennessee staff is concerned about pain and swelling. They’re going to keep an eye on him, but what a relief, Zeigler is returning.”

Zeigler is a crucial piece for Tennessee and is one of the top point guards in the SEC. He entered Tuesday’s game leading the Volunteers with 7.5 assists and 2.1 steals, and his 12.3 points per game ranked second on the team only to Chaz Lanier. At the time of his departure, he had two points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals.

McGrath said the training staff was looking at his knee, and Tennessee Athletics confirmed he suffered a knee injury. Initially, however, there was a wave of concern for the Volunteers’ training staff.

“You saw Tennessee’s Zakai Zeigler hobbled off immediately to a curtained off injury table,” McGrath said on the broadcast. “Athletic training staff are looking at his right knee, and the concern back there is palpable. Multiple trainers rushing to his aid. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear more.”

Zeigler’s importance isn’t just on the court, though. His experience is also vital as he goes through his fourth year on Rocky Top, and he’s an important veteran presences in the Volunteers locker room.