As Tennessee gears up for a high-stakes SEC clash against Kentucky on Saturday night, the Volunteers are facing a wave of injury concerns that could significantly impact their rotation. According to the SEC’s Friday night availability report, three Tennessee players - senior forward Felix Okpara, senior guard Amaree Abram, and freshman Troy Henderson - are all listed as questionable heading into the matchup in Lexington.
Let’s break it down.
Okpara’s Calf Still a Concern
Felix Okpara continues to battle a lingering left calf injury that’s kept him from being a consistent presence in the frontcourt. The senior forward has been a key piece for Tennessee this season, particularly on the defensive end, where his length and instincts have helped anchor the paint. If he’s unable to go, the Vols lose not just rim protection, but also a veteran voice on the floor - something you can't always quantify in a box score.
Abram Recovering from Illness
Amaree Abram, the senior guard, is working his way back from the flu. While it’s not a structural injury, the timing is tough.
Tennessee needs backcourt depth and experience, especially against a Kentucky team that thrives on tempo and guard play. If Abram’s conditioning isn’t fully back, that could put added pressure on the Vols' other ball-handlers to shoulder more minutes and responsibility.
Henderson Reinjures Shoulder
Freshman Troy Henderson, who had been dealing with a shoulder issue earlier in the season, reportedly reinjured it during Friday’s practice - just before the team departed for Lexington. It’s a tough break for the young guard, who’s been working to carve out a role in Tennessee’s rotation. Whether or not he suits up Saturday, the setback is a reminder of how brutal the grind can be for freshmen adjusting to the physicality of the college game.
Tipoff between No. 25 Tennessee (16-6, 6-3 SEC) and Kentucky (16-7, 7-3 SEC) is set for 8:30 p.m.
ET on ESPN, with Karl Ravech and Jimmy Dykes on the call. It’s a pivotal matchup in the SEC standings, and with both teams jockeying for position, every available body could make a difference.
Cade Phillips Out for the Year
While the Vols are dealing with short-term questions ahead of Saturday’s showdown, they’ve already lost one key contributor for the rest of the season. Junior forward Cade Phillips is officially out after undergoing season-ending surgery on his left shoulder - an injury that’s been nagging him since last year.
Phillips made the decision back in early December, but the impact is still being felt. He started nine of Tennessee’s first 10 games, giving the Vols a physical presence down low and contributing 3.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in just under 17 minutes a night. He shot an efficient 65.4% from the field, though his free throw struggles (4-of-13) and absence from the perimeter game pointed to the limitations the injury placed on his overall effectiveness.
Despite wearing a compression sleeve on his left arm throughout the season, it became clear that rest and rehab weren’t enough. Phillips ultimately opted for surgery after discussions with his family, the coaching staff, and Tennessee’s medical team.
“There is nothing I love more than competing alongside my teammates and I’m gutted that I won’t be able to take the court with them the rest of the season,” Phillips said in a statement. “I battled through this injury as much as possible, but it reached a point where surgery is needed.”
Head coach Rick Barnes echoed that sentiment, emphasizing Phillips’ toughness and team-first mindset.
“We will sincerely miss having Cade on the court,” Barnes said. “But it is essential he gets healthy.
Cade did all he could to play through this injury as long as he could. We love Cade and we’ll do everything we can to support him.”
Phillips’ 18 offensive rebounds still rank among the top three on the team, and his 11 blocks trail only Okpara - further proof of how impactful he was, even while playing hurt. His absence leaves a hole in Tennessee’s frontcourt rotation, and the Vols will need to continue leaning on their depth and defensive identity to stay competitive down the stretch.
Looking Ahead
With Kentucky looming and the SEC standings tightening, Tennessee’s depth is about to be tested in a big way. Whether Okpara, Abram, or Henderson can suit up will likely be a game-time decision, but one thing’s clear: this is a team that’s already had to weather adversity - and will need to do it again under the bright lights at Rupp Arena.