In preparation for the upcoming Orange & White Game, the 2024 Tennessee football team is missing several key players who will not be participating in the exhibition intrasquad scrimmage. According to reports from GoVols247, both starters and important contributors are among those sidelined for the event.

A handful of players have been out of action throughout spring practice, as they underwent offseason procedures to address injuries sustained during the previous season. These players are still in the recovery process and have not yet returned to full fitness. Additionally, a few Tennessee players have suffered injuries during the course of the spring, while others will not be suiting up on Saturday due to minor injuries or as a precautionary measure by the coaching staff to manage risk.

Despite the absences, Tennessee is determined to wrap up its spring practice on a positive note. Head coach Josh Heupel and his staff will be leading the team for their fourth season, showcasing their progress in front of a limited-attendance crowd at Neyland Stadium. The number of fans has been capped at approximately 10,000 due to ongoing construction on renovations at the arena.

The decision to keep the spring game at Neyland Stadium was made to maintain a valuable recruiting opportunity. Moving the game elsewhere in the state would have meant losing out on this chance, which the university did not want to pass up. To accommodate fans who couldn't secure tickets, the university has planned festivities outside the stadium.

The format of the Orange & White Game will remain the same as in past years under Heupel's leadership. The offense will don white jerseys and occupy the home sideline, while the defense will be wearing orange jerseys and will be located on the visiting sideline. The quarterbacks, dressed in Smokey Grey jerseys, will be off-limits for contact. The normal game scoring system will apply, with the offense alternating possessions for the Orange and White teams across two 15-minute quarters. After a 10-minute halftime break, the second half will have a running clock.

As the Orange & White Game approaches, Tennessee fans eagerly anticipate getting a glimpse of the team's performance under Heupel's guidance. Although some key players will be absent, it is an opportunity for other members of the team to step up and display their skills on the field. The event promises to be an exciting preview of what is to come in the upcoming season for Tennessee football.