Tennessee's forward, J.P. Estrella, found himself sidelined once again due to foot soreness, missing the Vols' commanding 89-66 victory over Oklahoma. This setback is particularly concerning as it's the same foot that kept him out for the entire 2024-25 season.
Coach Rick Barnes didn't hide his frustration about the situation, expressing disappointment that Estrella hadn't reported the soreness sooner. "I'm upset with him," Barnes shared.
"We always tell our players to speak up, even if it's just a little sore. Estrella's eagerness to play might have led him to keep quiet about it longer than he should have."
Despite the clean X-rays, Barnes emphasized the importance of caution, especially given Estrella's history with the injury. "He wants to help his team, but foot problems are tricky and not something to take lightly," Barnes added.
Since stepping into the starting lineup on January 24, Estrella has been a key contributor, averaging 11.7 points and seven rebounds while shooting an impressive 55%. With Estrella out, Jaylen Carey stepped in as a starter, but it was DeWayne Brown II who shone brightly, delivering 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists in just 19 minutes of play.
As for Estrella's return, the timeline remains uncertain, with his status listed as day-to-day. Barnes is understandably cautious, noting, "Feet problems are hard to get right. We just need to let it settle down."
The Vols will be keeping a close eye on Estrella’s recovery, hoping to have their forward back in action soon, but ensuring his long-term health remains the top priority.