Cedric Tillman reportedly had a procedure this week in hopes of getting back on the sooner.

Tillman, who has logged 17 catches for 246 yards and a touchdown, sprained his ankle against Akron and missed UT’s win over Florida. ESPN’s Chris Low reported Thursday that Tillman is currently recovering from “tightrope” surgery.

Low reports that the surgery happened early last week. Tillman’s status was successfully kept from the media that week, as he was not reported as out until last Saturday morning, hours before kickoff.

Many college football fans became aware of the tightrope procedure because of Tua Tagovailoa, who had it twice in his career. As ESPN describes, using a high-strength suture instead of metal screws, the procedure can accelerate an athlete’s recovery when dealing with a foot injury.

The Vols are off in Week 5. Tillman’s October could provide a boost to Tennessee’s high-powered passing attack. On Oct. 8, UT travels to LSU before hosting Alabama on Oct. 15. Even without Tillman, Vols QB Hendon Hooker still threw for 349 yards and 2 TDs in the 38-33 win over Florida.