Tennessee LB Arion Carter’s Injury Status Against Oklahoma Sparks Team’s Game-Day Uncertainty

As the countdown ticks toward kickoff at Neyland Stadium, all eyes are locked on Tennessee’s linebacker Arion Carter, who remains a game-time question mark ahead of tonight’s pivotal clash with Oklahoma. Carter, the Volunteers’ top tackler boasting 61 stops and impactful plays all season, sat out of the recent Kentucky matchup despite being an uncertain factor. Now, with No. 14 Tennessee squaring off against No. 18 Oklahoma in a crucial SEC battle, the volunteer’s injury report is stirring up plenty of speculation and tension. Both squads bring their own list of injuries into the fray, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to what promises to be a gripping showdown under the lights. For those hungry for the nitty-gritty details and the latest updates on this high-stakes encounter, the final SEC student-athlete availability report lays out the rundown you can’t miss. LEARN MORE.

Tennessee football linebacker Arion Carter is a game-time decision for tonight’s game against Oklahoma, according to the final SEC student-athlete availability report.

Carter is UT’s leading tackler with 61 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He was listed as a game-time decision before UT’s 56-34 win over Kentucky, but he did not play in that Oct. 25 game.

No. 14 Tennessee (6-2, 3-2 SEC) plays No. 18 Oklahoma (6-2, 2-2 SEC) on Nov. 1 (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC) at Neyland Stadium.

Tennessee football injury report

LB Arion Carter (game-time decision, foot)
WR Travis Smith (out, foot)
CB Jermod McCoy (out, torn ACL)
CB Rickey Gibson (out, upper body)

Oklahoma football injury report

LB Kobie McKinzie (game-time decision)
OL Derek Simmons (out)
RB Jovantae Barnes (out)
RB Taylor Tatum (out)
WR Keontez Lewis (out)
DB Kendel Dolby (out)
OL Troy Everett (out)
OL Jacob Sexton (out)
OL Jake Taylor (out)

How SEC availability report works

The SEC student-athlete availability report was introduced in the 2024 season for conference games only.

The initial report is released on Wednesday of an SEC game week, with daily updates leading to a final report 90 minutes prior to kickoff of a Saturday game.

Prior to game day, players are designated by their school as available, probable, questionable, doubtful or out for the upcoming game. On game day, they are designated as available, game-time decision or out.

Here’s what those designations mean:

• Out: Will not play, 0% chance to play.

• Doubtful: Unlikely to play, 25% chance to play.

• Questionable: Uncertain to play, 50% chance to play.

• Probable: Probable to play, 75% chance to play.

Per SEC policy, schools must accurately designate players’ participation status. If the school has knowledge that a player may not be able to participate in the upcoming game for any reason (injury, illness, suspension, ineligibility or personal matter), it must report it.

Failure to do so will subject schools to potential penalties ranging from $25,000 for a first offense to $100,000 for a third and further offenses.

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email[email protected]. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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