Tennessee looks like a different team with Brian Maurer at quarterback, but unfortunately for the Vols, Maurer has now left back-to-back games due to concussions. With UT taking on South Carolina this Saturday, Maurer’s status has been a big storyline.

Judging by Jeremy Pruitt’s Wednesday update, don’t expect to see Maurer on Saturday.

“He’s probably doubtful this week,” Pruitt said on the SEC’s weekly media coaches teleconference.

Tennessee beat reporters shared videos of Maurer throwing in Tuesday’s practice, but Pruitt described the freshman quarterback as having taken “no reps” this week, a strong suggestion he is highly unlikely to play against the Gamecocks. Pruitt also later described UT’s quarterback situation as being “down to two,” indicating Maurer has been ruled out.

While on the teleconference, Pruitt also discussed JT Shrout, Tim Jordan and more:

  • On the key to Tim Jordan’s emergence: He’s healthy. He got hurt early, sat out vs. BYU, one carry vs. UTC, he didn’t get much playing time vs. Florida. He is a really good practice player, he’s taken advantage of his opportunity.
  • On JT Shrout: Really good arm, he is growing into the position… Every practice we have, he makes explosive plays, because of his arm. He came from a HS where they throw it 50-60 times a game… He is learning to change protections.. he has not flinched and he understands the areas where he needs to improve, which will make him a really good player one day.
  • On Jerome Carvin: Jerome is kinda like a lot of young players, he played a lot last year but probably wasn’t ready, we didn’t have much depth… really pushed to be a starter in fall camp and kinda hit a wall there, didn’t practice as well but he got it back going. We challenged him and he responded, which young players do… He is a smart player.
  • On his freshmen offensive linemen: They get better every week. the competition continues to improve and they continue to improve, they understand that they have to… they work hard to be successful each week at practice.
  • On the QB situation: We are giving them the same amount of reps, we are down to just 2 QBs this week… Obviously Jarrett has way more experience and has taken more reps so getting JT caught up is important for our staff and important for him.
  • On being more physical on the OL and DL: Starting with Trey Smith, the more he plays, the better he gets. with him not practicing during the week, we don’t have the same group out there all the time. We have some young guys playing with Wanya and… Brandon Kennedy, is a fifth-year guy but hasn’t played a whole lot of ball… defensively, we have a lot of guys that had no experience and they are improving, that’s what you are supposed to do.