Vols Football: Josh Smith Ruled Out & Other Injury Notes
By Zach Ragan
Tennessee Vols head coach Butch Jones confirmed on Tuesday that sophomore wide receiver Josh Smith will miss Saturday’s game against Florida.
Smith (high ankle sprain) was injured in Tennessee’s loss against Oklahoma on September 13.
The Knoxville native was playing at a high level before his injury. In fact, before his injury against Oklahoma, Smith (filling in for injured WR Von Pearson) caught a 40 yard touchdown pass that put the Vols in the game.
The Vols will definitely miss Smith’s production against Florida. He was becoming one of the most sure-handed players on the team. A guy that quarterback Justin Worley could really lean on.
I would expect Tennessee to hold Smith out against Chattanooga on October 11 as well. There’s no reason to play him in that game and risk further injury. He should be healthy and ready to go by the Ole Miss game on October 18.
Will Von Pearson play against Florida?
That’s the question on everyone’s mind right now and unfortunately we don’t have a clear answer yet. Butch Jones said Pearson is still day-to-day, but added that he was able to practice a bit on Tuesday and do some conditioning work.
I still think it’s more likely that Pearson sits out against Florida, but there is at least a small chance he plays. The fact that he practiced some on Tuesday is very encouraging.
If Pearson is able to go on Saturday, it would be absolutely huge for the Vols. Pearson is an electric playmaker, something Tennessee has missed in his absence.
Jacob Gilliam could return this season
Starting left tackle Jacob Gilliam has been out since tearing his ACL in the Vols’ opener against Utah State.
But Gilliam still hopes to play this season.
Butch Jones said on Tuesday that Gilliam has not had surgery on his ACL and has actually practiced. Jones added that Gilliam is not yet ready to play in a game.
Jones acknowledged that Gilliam could play again this season, but that the team is taking it on a week-by-week basis.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Gilliam play again this season, but you can’t help but wonder how effective he’d be with a torn ACL.