We learned late last month that Tennessee Vols starting defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs has been in a walking boot.

“Obviously there’s the rumor out there about Daevin Hobbs being in a walking boot,” said VolQuest’s Austin Price last week. “He kind of dispelled some of the rumors out there about it being potentially a broken foot. We’ll see. He is in a walking boot, but it’s not ideal. He’s a kid that’s had a history of nagging little injuries. It’s not ideal.”

Fortunately for Hobbs and the Vols’ defense, it sounds like the senior defensive lineman has made some progress and should be available for the season opener against Furman — though it’s unclear how much he’ll actually play.

“He walked through the complex yesterday in two tennis shoes, and I said, ‘Well, that’s good — I think they had you written off for amputation on social media,’ and he (Hobbs) laughed,” said VolQuest’s Austin Price Tuesday on 104.5 The Zone’s Ramon and Will. “I think he’ll play. I still think he’ll probably be on a snap count. At the end of the day, you want him to be healthy next week (in Week 2 against Georgia Tech).”

It’s certainly good news that it sounds like it’s nothing serious for Hobbs. He’s one of the Vols’ most talented defensive linemen, and he’s especially important given the questions surrounding Tennessee’s defensive line entering the season.

Ethan Davis is back at practice for the Volunteers

Price also noted that senior tight end Ethan Davis, who has missed all of fall camp, has returned to practice.

“Ethan Davis missed all of fall camp, but now he’s back,” said Price. “They had a practice last Saturday and he was out there. Then he’ll be out there today (Tuesday) when Tennessee has their first full practice of game week, and he’ll be going against the scout team and running with the ones, in my opinion. But he still missed all of fall camp, so where’s he at?”

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel told reporters on Monday that Davis will be available against Furman, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he doesn’t play for precautionary reasons. The Vols, after all, need Davis healthy for the rest of the season, and they won’t need him against Furman.