UT's Pig Howard carries as Western Carolina's Fred Payne approaches Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.KNOXVILLE -- Tennessee wide receiver Pig Howard has been dismissed from the football program for violating team rules, head coach Butch Jones announced at his press conference today.
"That's between the student-athlete and ourselves, but we were just made aware of that today," he said.
Howard led the Volunteers in receiving in 2013 and 2014, but he played in only two games this season.
After he served a one-game suspension, also for a violation of team rules dating back to the offseason, in the opener against Bowling Green, Howard played against Oklahoma and Western Carolina.
He suffered a concussion against the Catamounts and didn't play against Florida or Arkansas. He's also been slowed by ankle and elbow injuries, Jones said previously.
Howard was suspended for part of the offseason last spring, when it appeared his career was likely over for off-field reasons. He instead rejoined the team for summer workouts and went on to be Tennessee's most consistent receiver in 2014. His senior year, however, never got off the ground, and his career is now over.
"It's definitely a big loss," safety Brian Randolph said. "He's a very talented guy, a fun guy to be around. It's a big week for us, and we can't let any distractions in, so we're all focusing on Georgia."
In his two games, Howard caught one pass for 8 yards and ran two times for 13 yards.
"You try to impact every young person that comes into your program, and it's all about choices and decisions," Jones said. "It's unfortunate. But we have to continue to move forward. We have very high standards and expectations in our football program."
Tennessee wide receiver Pig Howard (2) breaks past Vanderbilt safety Javon Marshall (31).The Vols have been without two receivers (Jason Croom and Vincent Perry) for the entire season, and Johnathon Johnson and Marquez North have been limited or missed games this season.
"He's obviously a close friend of mine, but it's not really tough," cornerback Cameron Sutton said. "I've got a lot to focus on for myself. I've got a team to lead, and I've got to be prepared and ready to go each and every Saturday. We can't really focus on that. We've got to get ready for each and every week."
Injury update
> Starting right tackle Brett Kendrick has been limited this week in practice, and his status for Saturday's game against Georgia is "ongoing," Jones said.
Jones also declined to get into the specifics of what Tennessee would do if Kendrick isn't available.
> Dylan Wiesman, Tennessee's starting right guard, practiced on Tuesday and should be able to play. He did not play in the second half against Arkansas.
"Dylan's a tough young man, so we fully anticipate him being ready to go," Jones said.
> Wide receiver Marquez North (back) has been limited this week, but is also expected to play.
> In a change from earlier in the week, freshman defensive end Kyle Phillips (shoulder) is expected to practice today and could play against the Bulldogs.
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.