Rick Barnes addresses Tennessee injury concerns before opener and Davidson scrimmage

Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes has spoken about the Volunteers' injury situation ahead of the season opener, according to 247Sports. His comments also came in connection with a closed scrimmage against Davidson described as a 'secret' scrimmage in the report.

Injuries at this stage of the preseason can affect preparations for both a scrimmage and the first game that counts, particularly as a coaching staff works out rotations and availability. Barnes addressing the subject publicly gives an indication of how the team is managing those concerns as the opener approaches.

For Tennessee, the focus now turns to getting as healthy as possible before the season begins in earnest. How the Vols handle the Davidson scrimmage and the opener will provide the first real look at which players are available and how the lineup takes shape.