Butch Jones updates the statuses of several key players
Tennessee coach Butch Jones hasn’t ruled out injured linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin and cornerback Cam Sutton from Saturday’s game at Texas A&M during his press conference Monday.
#Vols coach Butch Jones says status of LBs Jalen Reeves-Maybin (shoulder) and Darrin Kirkland Jr. is yet to be determined this week.
— Rhiannon Potkey (@TennesseeBeat) October 3, 2016
Reeves-Maybin experienced a sprained muscle injury in his shoulder against Ohio in Week 3, was limited to less than a quarter of action against Florida in Week 4 and was out for last Saturday’s game at Georgia.
The senior led the Vols in tackles during the past two seasons, recording 101 in 2014 and 105 in 2015.
Sutton was ruled to be out for an “extended period of time” after injuring his right ankle against Ohio. The senior had previously stated in 41 consecutive games at cornerback and had the FBS’ best punt-return average (18.7 yards per return) in 2015.
Jones also confirmed running back Jalen Hurd will practice Monday and is expected to play in Saturday’s game. Hurd missed the majority of the second half due to a “lower extremity injury.”
The junior had 10 carries for 42 yards and three catches for 50 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown, through two quarters.
Jones also revealed cornerback Justin Martin will return after serving a suspension in Week 5.
"Justin Martin will be back. If he makes the trip will be based on his performance on the field this week." Butch
— Paul Fortenberry (@Volquest_Paul) October 3, 2016
Martin missed the Vols’ trip to Athens last week after being suspended indefinitely for an undisclosed violation of team rules. However, Jones is allowing the junior to earn back his roster spot if he performs well in this week’s practice.
I have a hard time believing Sutton will be back before the Bama game. I think he could be back by the beginning to middle of Nov. Hopefully at least one out of JRM or DKjr are healthy this week because UGA did what they wanted in the middle of the field with our two backups in.
I’d hope we get Kirkland and JRM. Our corners are gonna have to play tight though
I don’t think Hurd really got injured… They benched him for another reason. After the game he ran out on the field and jumped on the pile to celebrate like nothing was wrong. If he can do that, he’s not hurt.
I agree, there is this new thing sweeping football these days called “concussion protocol.” The “lower extremity” comment from Jones probably meant he got his d!@& knocked off…
That could be it.. My theory is that he got an attitude with one of the coaches so they benched him. “Lower extremity injury” could be Butch’s code word for butthurt.
EXACTLY!
I was certain that this was what had kept him on the bench. His attitude, body language, and CBJ’s explanation points to an “attitude check” by the coaching staff rather than a legitimate injury.
You’d like to think that would NEVER happen at that point of such a crucial game.
The tweet says Kirkland could be back. The article says it’s Sutton instead. Which is it? (I’m guessing SDS made the error and it’s Kirkland.)