KNOXVILLE -- Tennessee is dealing with a handful of injuries a little more than a week into training camp, but one is more severe than the others.
Fifth-year senior Marcus Jackson, a 12-game starter in 2014, likely will miss the entire season, Volunteers coach Butch Jones said after Tuesday morning's practice, with what's believed to be an arm injury.
"There's no timetable set," the coach said. "It could be the season. It could be eight months. It could be nine months."
Jones later clarified that if Jackson does return this season, it likely wouldn't be until later in the regular season or for a bowl game.
"If he has an opportunity of returning it probably would be the tail of the end season or a bowl game," he said.
As a freshman in 2011, Jackson started fives games, and he played in every game as one of Tennessee's primary reserves in 2012. He voluntarily took a redshirt year in 2013 as the Vols tried to prepare for last season, when they entered the year with a line with just six career starts. Five of those were from Jackson.
An ankle injury forced Jackson to miss the Alabama game last season, but the injury he suffered Friday in practice may cost him his senior season. It's unlikely Jackson would be able to get a sixth year of eligibility.
In Jackson's absence, Brett Kendrick, who exited spring practice at right tackle, has been playing in Jackson's vacated left guard spot.
With Jashon Robertson out with a sprained ankle -- he missed a second straight practice on Tuesday, but should be back in "the next day or two" according to Jones -- freshman Jack Jones has gotten first-team reps at right guard alongside Coleman Thomas at right tackle.
"We've moved Coleman back to tackle, and it's a lot different from playing in the interior to the outside," Butch Jones said. "Same thing with Jack. Jack is still going through his first training camp, but I see progress every day.
"I thought today our offensive line took a big step in moving forward. Both those two individuals are very eager. They want to do well, they want to please. It is so different being a youngster in the offensive line and the defensive line than any other position group."
Center/guard Dylan Wiesman missed the first two practices of the week. Freshman Chance Hall also didn't practice on Tuesday morning. Butch Jones said both could return for today's second practice or tomorrow.
More injury notes
Butch Jones said the Vols are dealing with the "bumps and bruises" that are typical in training camp, and he's hopeful other players can step in and help Tennessee build depth going into the season.
Here are some updates on a handful of missing or absent players:
> Wide receiver Pig Howard tweaked his hamstring and did not practice on Tuesday.
> Junior college transfer cornerback Justin Martin (knee sprain) could miss the next 7-10 days after getting hurt on Saturday.
> Tight end Ethan Wolf, defensive tackle Kendal Vickers and safety Evan Berry should be back within a week, Jones said, after missing the first two practices of the week.
> Freshman safety Stephen Griffin remains out with a leg injury and has been in a walking boot since the weekend.
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.