Bru McCoy Week 7 injury update: Will Tennessee WR start vs Texas A&M?

The Tennessee Volunteers have had a decent start to the season with an excellent first few weeks. After a bye week, the Vols enter Week 7, reassessing their season and the available resources. The biggest concern is around star wide receiver Bru McCoy.

McCoy hurt his leg during the Week 5 win over South Carolina. Now that the Volunteers have had time to evaluate him during the off time, will he be able to return to the field against Texas A&M? What is the latest on the star wide receiver who has been pivotal for the Volunteers this season?

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Bru McCoy injury update for Week 7

Bru McCoy will not return to play for the Tennessee Volunteers in Week 7. He is not available for selection for the entirety of the 2023 season after hurting his leg against the South Carolina Gamecocks at the start of October. The Volunteers will have to navigate the rest of the season without their most trusted weapon for quarterback Joe Milton.

After the South Carolina game, McCoy underwent leg surgery at the start of the month to begin rehabilitation. He had 17 receptions in his short-lived season for 217 yards. That's an average of 12.8 yards per reception. It was a guaranteed first down if he had the ball. But now, the Volunteers will have to take on the Aggies and start their life without McCoy.

The Volunteers are 4-1 overall this season entering Week 7, with their only loss coming to conference rivals Florida Gators in Week 3. They wouldn't want to lose another conference game and keep an eye on the postseason. But they will need someone to step up to play in the slot.

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What happened to Bru McCoy?

Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy (15) is taken from the field

Bru McCoy suffered a fracture-dislocation of his right ankle in Tennessee's 41-20 Week 5 win against the Gamecocks. He underwent surgery the very next day, which was reported as successful. The Vols won the game convincingly but lost a reliable weapon in the slot. And his void will be difficult to fill at such short notice.

One way the Volunteers could tackle it could be by running a tight end-heavy offense against the Aggies. Another option could be slotting in Oregon transfer Dont'e Thornton, giving him the much-awaited debut. But the team would need Thornton to fire on all cylinders from the word go.