Wes Moore

KNOXVILLE — Wayne Chism’s scary tumble Monday night left him with elbow and spine contusions, but University of Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl said the junior forward could be back in the lineup for Saturday’s game at defending national champion Kansas.

Chism left Thompson-Boling Arena on a stretcher during the final minutes of the Volunteers’ 89-62 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette. He was transported to UT Medical Center, but an athletic department release said several “precautionary tests” on his head and neck were negative.

“Obviously we’re all thankful that Wayne’s injury does not appear to be serious,” Pearl said. “There was a lot of praying going on when he went down, and those prayers seem to have been answered.

“Wayne’s really sore, as is to be expected, but we hope to get him back at some point during the week if his recovery allows.”

Pearl didn’t elaborate on Chism’s official “day-to-day” status, but he said his leading rebounder wouldn’t have practiced Tuesday — though that was inconsequential since the entire team had an off-day.

Tuesday’s news was a big relief for the Vols and their coach, who was hesitant Monday night to discuss any obstacles in overcoming a possible Chism absence.

“We’ll cross that bridge if we get to it,” Pearl said.

Chism had 18 points and 15 rebounds in 24 minutes against the Ragin’ Cajuns, raising his season averages to 11.8 and 8.5. He’s averaging 16.7 points and 12.7 rebounds in the past three games.

“Obviously, Wayne had a tremendous night going,” Pearl said. “He’s been terrifically consistent and dominant on the inside and out.

“He’s been dominant. He’s our best rebounder, and he’s one of our best defenders, and he’s starting to feel comfortable offensively.”

At 6-foot-9, Chism’s versatility is a strength. He’s a 76 percent shooter from the free-throw line and has seven 3-pointers and seven steals to go with seven blocked shots in 11 games.

He also leads the team in charging fouls drawn, according to Pearl.

“Wayne had 15 boards (Monday)? Wow,” UT junior guard Josh Tabb said moments after the game. “Wayne’s starting to find himself out there. I think Wayne is overlooked by a lot of people — if it’s the media, or this or that — but I think Wayne’s one of the best big men in the country. He’s scoring, defending, rebounding, blocking shots and making plays.”

Vols junior wing J.P. Prince said he expected Chism to play Saturday, but the team would have a contingency plan.

“People would have to step up,” said Prince, who returned Monday after missing three games with a sprained ankle. “I’d have to step up, Tyler (Smith) would have to step up and Big Baby (Brian Williams) would have to step up. Everybody would have to step up, just like when I was out, and the guards and the wings had to step up.

“That’s just part of the season. People are going to get hurt, and people are going to get injured. You just don’t want it to be something major. In the end, it’s just going to make you stronger. I know Wayne will be fine, though. I know he’s not going to miss that (Kansas) game, so I’m not worried about that.”

Freshman forward Emmanuel Negedu, whose role would also increase if Chism is sidelined, also expected his frontcourt mate back in the lineup.

“I think Wayne’s going to be fine and going to be back soon,” Negedu said. “If he’s out, though, he’s one of our best players defensively and offensively. He’s doing it all.

“A big guy who can shoot, go inside and do damage there, too ... that’s pretty hard to stop.”