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Joe Milton is unofficially questionable heading into the Tennessee Tech matchup, Josh Heupel announced today. Tennessee’s head coach said that he’s unsure if Milton will be available against the Golden Eagles, while also noting that he has not named a starting quarterback for this week.
Milton left the game last week after taking a big hit and did not return. Hendon Hooker finished the game in his place. Milton was able to practice this morning, for what that’s worth.
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said today he's not named a starting QB and he's not sure if Joe Milton will be available. He also said he doesn't have final word on RB Tiyan Evans (non-injury related) or Jabari Small (hurt v. Pitt)
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) September 15, 2021
Running back Tiyon Evans was ruled out before the Pitt game, rumored to be dealing with a COVID situation. Jabari Small was set for a big workload without Evans available, but exited at halftime with an injury and never returned. True freshman Jaylen Wright got all of the work from that point on.
Heupel said on Wednesday that neither back had been cleared to play at this point this weekend.
Pass rusher Byron Young is set to make his Tennessee debut on Saturday, that much we do know. It should be a big boost for the defense, one that badly could use another threat opposite of Tyler Baron.
Updates on the status of starting center Cooper Mays, receiver Jalin Hyatt and defensive lineman LaTrell Bumphus were not given.
Obviously, it shouldn’t be a big deal to get pieces back in the lineup for a matchup against Tennessee Tech, especially with Florida looming after that. But the chemistry factor shouldn’t be downplayed, especially with a trip to Gainesville coming up next.