Squirrel White’s toughness is unquestioned.

It’s how the Tennessee wide receiver earned playing time as a freshman in 2022. Coaches saw him take hits from veteran defensive backs in preseason practice and never back down.

It’s how he’s stayed in the lineup for more than 1,200 snaps and 31 games the past three seasons despite nagging injuries.

But White left the past three games with an apparent shoulder injury. And he didn’t make a reception in Tennessee’s 24-17 win over Alabama, snapping a 23-game streak making at least one catch.

So despite White’s increased effort to fight through pain, it could yield diminishing returns.

How much is too much? That’s the question the Vols are asking as White prepares to play in the Kentucky game after receiving medical treatment during an open week.

“I think that’s a fine line you got to draw,” wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope said. “I think what best gives you an idea of that is how he handles it in practice. I think you’ve got to be in tune and be intentional with how they look, how they’re responding.

“So I think each play you assess exactly where you are as far as how comfortable those type of guys are out there.”

No. 7 Tennessee (6-1, 3-1 SEC) plays Kentucky (3-5, 1-5) on Saturday (7:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network) at Neyland Stadium.

Last week, Heupel said White was limited in practice but he "will be ready to roll” against Kentucky.

The SEC student-athlete availability report will be released Wednesday, when UT could choose to list White’s injury status.

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Here's who could play in Squirrel White's place

Don’t doubt White’s chances of playing against Kentucky and excelling. He has 117 catches in his career, which leads all Tennessee receivers. And he doesn’t like to miss games.

But if White is out or limited, the Vols have a few options to replace him.

Chas Nimrod is White’s regular backup at slot receiver. He has six receptions for 70 yards.

Chris Brazzell usually plays outside receiver. But he flashed his potential in the slot with a 16-yard TD catch for the go-ahead score against Alabama.

The easiest solution may be to play two tight ends and two wide receivers, which could decrease White’s snaps.

The Vols have preferred that personnel package lately. And two tight ends could be effective in the ground game against Kentucky's defense, which has allowed 223 yards rushing per game in three straight losses.

Why not Mike Matthews?

Freshman Mike Matthews is an intriguing option. The former five-star recruit has practiced mostly at outside receiver, but he can play in the slot. He has two receptions for 35 yards and one TD.

Matthews has played sparingly, with only 51 snaps on offense, according to Pro Football Focus. But because he has played in five games, he is no longer eligible to take a redshirt this season.

“Mike has flashed at times. He’s got a really bright future here,” Pope said. “I think a lot of stuff comes with experience, right? Being a freshman in this league is hard. He’s staying positive. He’s working his butt off. I think as long as he continues to do those things, it’s only a matter of time before he starts to see the plays being made that he wants.

“His attitude as of late has been awesome and that’s what he’s working towards.”

Matthews was one of seven five-star receivers in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports Composite. Alabama’s Ryan Williams and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith have become instant stars as freshmen.

But Pope said Matthews shouldn’t dwell on what other players are doing.

“What these guys got to learn at a young age is, man, I got to run my own race, right? Like my race is different from this guy playing here or this guy playing here,” Pope said. “You ultimately don’t know where you or them will end up.

“If I’m looking at someone else’s plate and not looking at my own food, then my food gets cold and I’m not able to take advantage of my own opportunities. (Matthews) has done an incredible job of not paying attention to outside factors. He could be, but at least around me, around this building, he’s dialed in, he’s got a great attitude, he’s hungry.”

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

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Squirrel White: Is Tennessee WR hurting Vols by playing through injury