The Tennessee Volunteers are approaching the start of the 2026-27 basketball season with plenty of excitement surrounding Rick Barnes’ roster, but the program has already been forced to navigate an unexpected injury concern.
Two guards, Tyler Lundblade and Troy Henderson, have been working their way back from injuries during Tennessee’s offseason preparations, creating uncertainty around the Vols’ backcourt as preseason workouts continue.
Lundblade, one of Tennessee’s most intriguing transfer additions, has been dealing with a back injury that kept him from fully participating in summer practices. The former Belmont standout averaged more than 15 points per game last season and shot 43% from three-point range, making his health an important storyline for the Vols.
Henderson has faced a different setback.
The sophomore guard has been recovering from a shoulder issue that began during the previous season. He underwent offseason surgery and has not yet returned to full-contact basketball activities.
Tennessee Receives Encouraging Update
While the injuries initially created concern, Tennessee has received some positive news.
Assistant coach Amorrow Morgan recently provided updates on the injured players and indicated that both Lundblade and Henderson are getting closer to returning to full strength.
Morgan said Henderson is expected to return to full activity very soon, while Lundblade is also progressing in his recovery.
That is significant for a Tennessee team that has undergone considerable roster turnover.
The Volunteers’ 2026-27 roster includes several newcomers, including Lundblade, Juke Harris, Dai Dai Ames and other transfers who will be expected to contribute immediately.
Barnes Needs His Backcourt Healthy
For Barnes, getting his guards healthy before the regular season becomes a major priority.
Tennessee is scheduled to host Xavier in an exhibition game on Oct. 15 before traveling to Duke for another preseason matchup on Oct. 20. The Vols will then open the regular season against Wofford on Nov. 3.
Those exhibition games will provide Tennessee with an opportunity to evaluate its new roster and determine how the backcourt fits together.
Lundblade’s shooting ability could provide an important offensive weapon, while Henderson’s return would give Barnes another option in a crowded guard rotation.
Vols Trying to Avoid Another Setback
The injury concerns have added an unwanted storyline to Tennessee’s preseason preparations.
However, the latest updates suggest that neither player is currently facing a season-ending absence.
Instead, Tennessee is hoping both guards can complete their recoveries and participate fully before the season begins.
With expectations rising around the Volunteers, maintaining good health could be crucial.
The Vols have the talent to compete in a demanding SEC, but Barnes will need his roster available if Tennessee hopes to make another deep postseason run.
For now, the injury situation remains something to monitor closely as the Volunteers move toward the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
