Josh Heupel gives the latest on Vols offensive lineman Cooper Mays

The Tennessee Vols were without senior offensive lineman Cooper Mays, the team's starting center, in UT's season-opening 49-13 win against the Virginia Cavaliers.  Mays was out after undergoing a procedure early last month.  Redshirt senior Ollie Lane and redshirt senior Dayne Davis, who was a backup offensive tackle for the Vols last season, held down […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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The Tennessee Vols were without senior offensive lineman Cooper Mays, the team's starting center, in UT's season-opening 49-13 win against the Virginia Cavaliers. 

Mays was out after undergoing a procedure early last month. 

Redshirt senior Ollie Lane and redshirt senior Dayne Davis, who was a backup offensive tackle for the Vols last season, held down the center position with Mays out. 

On Wednesday night during Vol Calls, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel was asked about Mays' status for UT's home-opener against Austin Peay on Saturday. 

Heupel confirmed that Mays will be out for the second straight game on Saturday. 

"Coop, he’s been with us on the field," said Heupel. "We will not play him in this one. That’s just in preparation for the following week, make sure that he’s 100 percent.”

It sounds like Mays has returned to practice, in some capacity, based on Heupel's response. It also sounds like Tennessee plans on having Mays available for the Vols' matchup in the Swamp against the Florida Gators on September 16 (a massively important game for both programs). 

Keeping Mays out against Austin Peay is wise. That allows Tennessee to build continued depth along the offensive line while also making sure Mays gets one more week to return to full strength. 

Mays' injury/issue, by the way, isn't expected to linger all season. Once he's back, he's expected to be fully recovered. 

Featured image via Jamar Coach/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

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