Breaking News

More () »

Sports

John Fulkerson's status for NCAA up in the air after facial injury

The Tennessee redshirt senior traveled back to Knoxville this weekend for a procedure after facial injuries against Florida.

Credit: Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel

Tennessee forward John Fulkerson (10) dunks the ball during a basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on Wednesday, February 17, 2021.

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — As Tennessee prepares to face No. 12 seed Oregon State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, one question on everyone's mind will be, 'Will John Fulkerson be able to play?'

The redshirt senior forward missed the SEC Tournament semifinals on Saturday after suffering facial injuries against Florida on Friday.

On Sunday, Tennessee announced Fulkerson returned to Knoxville over the weekend for a procedure, but was set to rejoin the team in Nashville. His status is "day to day" as Tennessee prepares for the NCAA Tournament.

The Vols will travel straight to Indianapolis from Nashville on Monday.

.@TomSatkowiak says John Fulkerson went back to Knoxville to have a procedure done but will rejoin the team tonight, and he will be evaluated day to day for the NCAA tournament. #Vols
— Madison Blevins (@Madison4Blevins) March 14, 2021

Fulkerson averaged 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds this season.

On Sunday, Tennessee was named a No. 5 seed in the Midwest Region in the NCAA Tournament. The Vols will face No. 12 seed Oregon State on Friday. A start time has yet to be announced.