Zakai Zeigler injury update: Troubling news emerges on Tennessee guard after leaving game vs. Kentucky

After Zakai Zeigler limped off the court Tuesday night against Kentucky, he immediately headed toward the locker room. ESPN’s Molly McGrath said the training staff got to him quickly, but there was a “palpable” concern for the Tennessee guard.

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.

“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 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.

Tennessee Athletics confirmed Zeigler suffered a knee injury. Heading into the halftime locker room, though, his coach also expressed concern about his status.

“I don’t know,” Rick Barnes told McGrath at the break. “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 ended up coming out to warm up at the break. He then started 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,” McGrath said ahead of the second half. “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’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.