College football reporter doesn't expect Bryce Young to play against Tennessee
One of the biggest determining factors in the game between the Tennessee Vols and the Alabama Crimson Tide in Knoxville on Saturday will be whether or not Bama quarterback Bryce Young plays. Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, is dealing with a shoulder injury (throwing arm) that kept him out of Alabama's narrow win against […]
One of the biggest determining factors in the game between the Tennessee Vols and the Alabama Crimson Tide in Knoxville on Saturday will be whether or not Bama quarterback Bryce Young plays.
Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, is dealing with a shoulder injury (throwing arm) that kept him out of Alabama's narrow win against Texas A&M last week.
It's been reported that Young's injury is a pain issue and he can't make it worse by playing. Essentially, it comes down to whether or not he can stand the pain and still be effective.
Here's what Alabama head coach Nick Saban said last week before the Crimson Tide's game against the Aggies.
Young suited up for the Texas A&M game and took part in warmups before the game, but he didn't throw the ball any.
On3.com's Austin Price, who covers Tennessee for VolQuest, said on Friday that he doesn't think Young will play against the Vols.
That's based on what Price said he's heard from multiple people this week, though he acknowledged that it's not an absolute that Young will miss the game.
I’ve talked to a bunch of people this week and I don’t see Bryce Young playing. Maybe my people will be wrong but he hasn’t practiced all week and if he isn’t playing then this thing takes on a different vibe.
There are a lot of rumors going both ways this week when it comes to Young. Price is as plugged in as it gets when it comes to Tennessee football and the SEC, but it's important to note that he's NOT reporting that Young is out. He's simply relaying his opinion based on the information he's gathered.
At this point, the only person that really knows the plan is Saban. And I doubt he's letting many people (if anyone at all) know before kickoff on Saturday.
If Young doesn't play, Jalen Milroe will likely start again. And while Milroe isn't Young, he's still a talented player (he was the No. 13 overall quarterback and the No. 82 overall player in the 2021 recruiting class). No Bryce Young would certainly make this game more winnable for the Vols, but Alabama is still capable of winning if it's Milroe under center.
Featured image via Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
