Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin has declined to make any comment about the status of his three players arrested on attempted armed robbery charges early Thursday morning.
But with Kiffin staying mum, Tennessee athletic department officials confirmed Friday that none of the players facing charges -- safety Janzen Jackson, defensive back Mike Edwards and receiver Nu'Keese Richardson -- would make the trip and play in Saturday's game against Ole Miss.
Jackson's bond was reduced and he was released on his own recognizance Thursday afternoon. There was some hope among the Tennessee coaches that the charges might be dismissed against Jackson, paving the way for him to possibly play against the Rebels.
But those charges have yet to be dismissed, and the Knoxville Police Department is continuing to investigate the case, in part, to see if the degree of involvement in the attempted robbery was the same for all three of the players.
At this point, it sounds like Tennessee is braced to kick both Richardson and Edwards off the team, but is holding out hope that Jackson may make it if his charges are dismissed.
As for this weekend against the Rebels, Jackson's loss will sting the most. He had started in all but two games this season at free safety. With Jackson out, Tennessee will likely go with the combination of redshirt freshman Prentiss Waggner and true freshman Darren Myles Jr. at the free safety spot. They both played there last week when Jackson was suspended for the Memphis game.
Jackson not being available could also hurt the Vols' ability to play their nickel package when they go to extra defensive backs. Brent Vinson could see his role expand there.