Marlin Lane Doesn’t Practice; Rajion Neal Will Be “Ready To Go”
By Zach Ragan
Sep 28, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Marlin Lane (15) celebrates after a run against the South Alabama Jaguars during the first quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
When the Tennessee Volunteers take the field against the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday it will be Butch Jones’ biggest game so far as the Vols’ head coach.
Which makes Marlin Lane’s unknown status for Saturday all the more concerning.
The junior running back was injured in the first half against South Alabama. All Jones would say after the game was that Lane suffered a “lower extremity injury” and would be evaluated.
Jones didn’t provide much clarification on Tuesday after practice, saying “we will know a little bit more tomorrow as he (Lane) progresses and it is going to be day-to-day.”
Lane looked like he wanted to get back in the game on Saturday, wearing his helmet throughout the second half and standing with the offense. It was clear, however, judging by the trainer close by, that Lane wasn’t going back in the game.
In addition to Lane’s injury, the Vols also have to be concerned about senior running back Rajion Neal.
The other half of the Vols’ rushing duo was limited in practice on Tuesday. Butch Jones doesn’t seemed nearly as concerned about Neal’s status for Saturday, simply saying “He will be ready to go”.
Neal attributed his green jersey on Tuesday to just being “tired”.
The Vols will need both of their dynamic running backs healthy and ready to go if they plan on upsetting Georgia in front of the Vol faithful.
So far this season Lane is averaging 6.2 yards a carry and has provided the Vols with depth at the running back position, without any drop-off.
The Vols will need to stick to the running game against Georgia to have a chance at victory. Hopefully for Tennessee, Marlin Lane will be ready to go at 3:30 on Saturday against Mark Richt and the Bulldogs.
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