Tennessee football defensive back Jourdan Thomas is out for the season after suffering a knee injury in practice on Saturday.

Thomas did not return to practice Sunday morning, and a UT spokesperson confirmed to Knox News the injury is season-ending.

Thomas was projected to start at Star position, what UT calls its nickelback. He has played 25 games with one start in his career, but he's been plagued by injuries throughout his time with the Vols.

It's a major blow to UT's secondary, which is already rebuilding after losing 11 defensive backs this offseason to the NFL and transfer portal. Tamarion McDonald, UT's starter at Star position last season, transferred to Louisville.

Sophomore Christian Harrison, freshman Boo Carter, junior Christian Charles and senior Will Brooks are among the potential replacements for Thomas. UT also could move one of its starting safeties to Star position and reshuffle the secondary.

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: Tennessee football's Jourdan Thomas out for season with knee injury