Tennessee receiver Jason Croom is ready to play after shoulder surgery.KNOXVILLE — Tennessee will be without receiver Jason Croom for the Taxslayer Bowl after he suffered a knee injury in Sunday's practice.
The Volunteers, who already lost three wideouts to season-ending injuries this year, will not have the 6-foot-5, 243-pound sophomore, who caught 21 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games, for their Jan. 2 meeting with Iowa.
Three of Croom's touchdown passes came in consecutive games against South Carolina, Kentucky and Missouri to start last month.
In 12 games this season, Croom caught 21 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns, three of which came in November games against South Carolina, Kentucky and Missouri.
“It’s not like we’ve necessarily had one guy that’s been the quote-unquote go-to receiver,” Bajakian said. “Our guys have stepped up when the opportunity’s been presented and made plays. That’s the advantage to our scheme and the freedom we give our quarterback to find the open receiver.”
Croom’s injury, which is to his patella, is the latest for a unit that’s been decimated by injuries this season.
Tennessee lost two of its top receivers in Josh Smith (ankle) and Marquez North (shoulder) to season-ending injuries after Cody Blanc (Achilles' tendon) was lost for the season during the Vols' first preseason practice in August.
Multiple receivers, including Croom, Von Pearson and touted freshman Josh Malone, have missed or been limited games with a handful of injuries as well.
Tennessee still has two of its leading receivers in Pig Howard, who leads the Vols with 52 catches for 589 yards, and Pearson, and freshmen Malone, Vic Wharton and Ryan Jenkins will need to step for the Vols against the Hawkeyes.
“They know that,” receivers coach Zach Azzanni said. “I don’t know if I need to say that. They know we’re about to go play a Jan. 2 bowl game versus a really good team with a bunch of seasoned DBs, too. These guys are a bunch of young guys.
“It’s a great opportunity, and they know that. I don’t need to tell them that. The second they see Jason not going to be able to go in this game, they know it’s their turn.”
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.