Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones announced on Monday that true freshman linebacker Dillon Bates will miss the rest of the 2014 season with a torn labrum.

Bates, who will have surgery to repair his torn labrum, sustained the injury in the Vols’ win against Arkansas State on September 6. The true freshman tried to play through the injury.

Jones said that Tennessee plans to apply for a medical hardship waiver for Bates.

According to Jones, Bates will return for spring practice.

This is the same injury that true freshman running back Jalen Hurd sustained during his senior year of high school. He was able to participate fully in spring practice after the injury.

Bates has a very bright future at Tennessee. He should have a starting role on defense next season.

In four games this season, Bates had six total tackles (three assisted, three solo). He also saw a lot of action on special teams.

I’d expect to see some playing time for linebacker Chris Weatherd in the wake of this injury.