Report: Tennessee WR Josh Smith may return sooner than originally expected
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Tennessee suffered some tough news last weekend as senior Josh Smith suffered a significant injury during a recent scrimmage. While the senior’s injury was originally reported as a broken collarbone, his injury appears to not be that severe.
Slated to be Tennessee’s starting slot receiver, Smith enters 2017 with 58 catches, 721 yards and five touchdowns in his Rocky Top career. Arguably his most notable play came against Georgia in 2015, when he caught a fourth down pass and took it to the house. The play kick-started Tennessee’s 38-31 comeback win over the Bulldogs, which was at that time the program’s first win over Georgia in five years.
According to Jimmy Hyams of WNML radio in Knoxville, Smith did not suffer a broken collarbone, he suffered a shoulder sprain. If accurate, he could return in time for the Florida game in Week 3 of the season:
UT WR Josh Smith has shoulder sprain – not broken collarbone – and expected to be out 4-5 weeks. Hopes to return for Florida game Sept. 16.
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) August 23, 2017
Following the weekend news of Smith’s injury, Tennessee head coach Butch Jones was asked about the injury. While he confirmed the news of the injury, he did not offer any specifics regarding the severity of Smith’s setback. He did indicate the senior would need to be fully evaluated before declaring a timetable for his return.
“There’s no timetable for his return because he’s not had a CT scan. He’ll have a CT scan later this afternoon, we’ll let you know the timeframe of where that is right now,” Jones said regarding Smith’s status following practice Monday.
Knoxville WVLT CBS anchor Mark Packer is also reporting that Smith could return for the Florida game.
Vols WR Josh Smith expected back for Florida game. Collarbone injury not as bad as first feared. @AustinPriceless @Volquest_Rivals @wvlt pic.twitter.com/hwd52Ibm0X
— MARK PACKER (@Packer_sports) August 23, 2017
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
