Darrin Kirkland Jr. is recovering from minor knee procedure, Jeremy Pruitt says

Darrin Kirkland Jr., whose return from injury was expected to boost Tennessee's linebacking corps in 2018, did not participate in the first week of spring practice.

Vols coach Jeremy Pruitt said Saturday that Kirkland had a minor procedure on his knee. Kirkland should be back in two to three weeks, Pruitt said.

“He had done really well, progressed, worked in the offseason," Pruitt said. "Just a minor little cleanup there. He’ll be back and ready to go. He might even finish up getting to go the last couple of practices of spring.”

Kirkland, a junior, is expected to contend for a starting inside linebacker spot. He missed all of last season after he had surgery for a torn meniscus in his knee.

Kirkland has 111 career tackles. He was an All-SEC freshman team selection in 2015.

Pruitt also said inside linebacker Daniel Bituli is participating in only individual drills as he recovers from an offseason surgery. Pruitt did not say what the surgery was for.

In addition to Kirkland and Bituli, Tennessee's top options at inside linebacker include Solon Page III, Quart'e Sapp, Shanon Reid and Will Ignont.

On the shelf

Running back Tim Jordan hasn't practiced either, because he had his appendix removed earlier this month.

"I think he’ll be back in a couple of weeks," Pruitt said. "Maybe he’ll get the last six or seven days at spring ball.”

No rain, no gain

For the second time in three spring practices, the Vols worked outside in cold, rainy conditions. Pruitt said after the first spring practice, at which it rained, that he intended to keep Tennessee outside unless lightning became a factor.

Saturday was Tennessee's first practice in pads.

“We had a lot of balls on the ground. It was a little bit wet out there," Pruitt said. "It’s good for us though, because we may play in a game like this.”

Spring game plans

Pruitt said he wants the April 21 spring game to be as close to a real game as possible.

"We’re going to divide up the squad. We’re going to play a game," Pruitt said. "We’ll actually have a Vol Walk. We want to go through the same routine. Heck, we may stay at a hotel on Friday night, because we don’t want it to be the first time we do it when we go to Charlotte (for the season opener).”

One of Pruitt's spring goals is to put his players in adverse situations, so he's hoping a large crowd shows up for the Orange and White Game.

"(Fans') presence will create pressure, which will prepare them for next season," Pruitt said.