Vols Football: Injury Updates and Depth Chart for Alabama Week

The Vols will have a tough test on Saturday when they take on Alabama. Getting healthier would help their cause. PHOTO: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee head coach Butch Jones held his weekly press conference today, and he had a few updates on several injured Vols.

Jones said that senior quarterback Justin Worley is expected to practice today and the rest of the week, and he should be ready to go Saturday against Alabama.

Offensive guard Marcus Jackson is expected to practice and play as well, but Jones said offensive tackle Coleman Thomas is more questionable to practice. He still thinks Thomas will play Saturday, however.

Sophomore wide receiver Josh Smith, who has been out since sustaining a high ankle sprain against Oklahoma, will begin running this week, but Jone calls him “a long shot” to play Saturday against Alabama.

Depth Chart Analysis

Nothing has changed on Tennessee’s depth chart, and that includes the banged-up offensive line. The same starting five of Kerbyson, Jackson, Crowder, Robertson, and Thomas are listed, but things could change before Saturday. Jacob Gilliam, Brett Kendrick, and Austin Sanders all saw time  for the Vols against Ole Miss last Saturday.

Evan Berry remains the starter at kick returner despite a costly fumble against Ole Miss. A back-up is listed now, however, as cornerback Malik Foreman is listed as the other returner on kick-offs.