Tennessee fifth-year wide receiver Josh Smith is expected to miss the start of the football season after injuring his collarbone, the Associated Press reported on Monday.

Tennessee coach Butch Jones said there is no timetable on Smith's return, but Smith will most likely miss at least Tennessee's season opener against Georgia Tech on Sept. 4 at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Smith had groin surgery during the offseason and missed one game in 2016 due to an ankle injury. In six starts last season, Smith accounted for 97 yards and one touchdown.

The Yellow Jackets also are down one key offensive player after the dismissal of B-back Dedrick Mills was announced on Friday afternoon. Mills broke an athletic department rule that mandated his dismissal.

Jones responded to Mills’ dismissal on Friday saying he thought the sophomore’s absence wouldn’t affect the Yellow Jackets at all.

"I believe they were 3-0 without him last year," Jones said, according to SEC Country.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Georgia Tech center Doryan Onwuchekwa (45) reacts after making a three-point shot against Georgia during the second half at McCamish Pavilion, Friday, November 15, 2024, in Atlanta. Georgia won 77-69. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

State Rep. Kimberly New, R-Villa Rica, stands in the House of Representatives during Crossover Day at the Capitol in Atlanta on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC