While the Tennessee Volunteers are vigorously preparing for the 2021 college football season, quarterback Brian Maurer remained absent for the second day in a row on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Maurer did not report to the Volunteers’ practice. During Thursday morning’s scrimmage, Maurer was once again not with the team.

After the scrimmage on Thursday, head coach Josh Heupel said this about Maurer’s absence:

“I had a conversation with him a few days ago at some point about the reps,” Heupel said. “We will have a conversation with him during the off day here.”

This comes in the aftermath of a cryptic post from Maurer on his Instagram page.

The QB competition is apparently down to Michigan transfer Joe Milton, Virginia Tech transfer Hendon Hooker, and sophomore Harrison Bailey.

Earlier in the offseason, Maurer opted to stay at Tennessee rather than enter the NCAA transfer portal to compete for the starting quarterback position.