Josh Smith Ruled Out; Other Vols Injury Updates

The Vols will be without sophomore wide receiver Josh Smith for the third game in a row, according to head coach Butch Jones.

Smith has not played since suffering a high ankle sprain in Tennessee’s loss to Oklahoma on September 13. He was spotted in a walking boot prior to the Florida game.

Even if Smith has progressed, it’s still the right move to sit him against Chattanooga on Saturday. The Vols should easily win that game and there’s no reason to risk further injury to Knoxville native.

Smith has ten catches for 135 yards and a touchdown in three games this season.

Other Injury Notes: 

• Running back Jalen Hurd practiced on Tuesday, but had limited contact. Jones said that was the standard for a running back over the course of the season.
• Defensive tackle Owen Williams will miss the Chattanooga game with a thumb injury. He underwent surgery this week.
• Running back Marlin Lane missed practice on Tuesday, but is expected back on Wednesday.
• Defensive back Michael Williams practiced on Tuesday, after getting banged up against Florida.