Brian Maurer injury update: Jeremy Pruitt now says freshman quarterback will be a game-time decision

Just over 24 hours after sustaining a concussion against Mississippi State, Tennessee’s freshman quarterback was back on the practice field, taking live reps. Jeremy Pruitt said on Monday that his new starting quarterback “would be fine” after landing awkwardly on his head on Saturday.

Maurer taking reps so soon after the hit was taken as a good sign, but Pruitt warned that it’s not a given that he will be able to play against Alabama on Saturday night.

“He’s went kind of through the protocol here, and he’s taken some reps,” Jeremy Pruitt said on Wednesday during the SEC teleconference. “It will be a game-time decision. He can take some reps as we move forward through the week.”

Junior quarterback Jarrett Guarantano entered in relief, going 6-7 through the air for 106 yards and a touchdown. The offense changed when Guarantano came in, going ultra-conservative in an attempt to keep their lead. With the way the Tennessee defense was playing, the plan worked.

Guarantano found Tyler Byrd for the put-away touchdown late as the Volunteers moved on to a 20-10 win.

With a trip to Alabama up next, Tennessee is going to need every ounce of offense that they can muster. Maurer has been a spark, attacking aggressively — and sometimes a little recklessly — down the field.

Tennessee is a 34.5 point underdog entering the weekend. Jeremy Pruitt will address the media again tonight after practice, so look for more updates at that time.