Tennessee football tight end Ethan Davis out for season with ACL injury

Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis is out for the season after suffering an ACL injury in the Vols' 45-24 win over Georgia Tech.

Coach Josh Heupel delivered the bad news during his weekly press conference on Sept. 14.

"Ethan Davis (with) an ACL injury will be gone for the remainder of the year," Heupel said. "I hate it for Ethan because of the work that he put in and his growth as a person and the player, and now his season is cut short. But the next guy has got to be prepared and take advantage of the opportunity."

Davis suffered the injury during the Georgia Tech game. But play wasn't stopped because it occurred near UT's sideline and Davis reached the medical staff under his own power.

Davis, a senior, had a good start to the season, catching touchdown passes from quarterback Faizon Brandon in each of the first two games. He had three catches for 43 yards and served as a key blocker in the Vols' productive ground attack. But he will miss the remainder of the season.

Davis can return to Tennessee in 2027 if he wants to utilize his fifth year of eligibility, which is available under the NCAA's new 5-for-5 rule. He has played four seasons for the Vols, logging 26 games with six starts. He has 39 receptions for 433 yards and six TDs.

Who replaces Ethan Davis as Tennessee tight end?

Sophomore DaSaahn Brame and South Alabama transfer Trent Thomas will pick up more of the load in replacing Davis.

"This game requires the next guy up. You've heard me talk about that. Our team has heard that too," Heupel said. "You've got to be prepared for any opportunity that arises. The next guy up, and multiple guys, have to step up in that role. You've seen those guys play already this year. They've got to continue to grow and step into that role."

No. 14 Tennessee (2-0) plays Kennesaw State (1-1) on Sept. 19 (7:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network) at Neyland Stadium.

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing atknoxnews.com/subscribe.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football tight end Ethan Davis out for season with ACL injury