Tennessee dismisses O'Brien

Just days after suffering an injury that forced him to leave Kyle Field on a backboard, Tennessee defensive tackle Danny O'Brien has been dismissed from the team according to a statement released by Tennessee.

O'Brien, a redshirt senior from Flint, Mich., had recorded 44 career tackles, including four career sacks, in 42 career appearances. O'Brien had started the first six games of the 2016 season for the Vols.

O'Brien was suspended for a violation of team rules in September 2015 and missed two games while suspended.

He was also arrested in 2014 for underage consumption, resisting arrest and criminal impersonation following the breakup of a party near campus.

O'Brien left the game against Texas A&M in the second half of Tennessee's 45-38 loss Saturday and was taken to the hospital for tests but was released later Saturday night and was able to return to Knoxville with the team.

The loss of O'Brien is another blow to Tennessee's defense that is already missing numerous starters. O'Brien had played his best football of his career this fall with 14 tackles including three for loss this season.