Tennessee HC Josh Heupel had a positive injury update for once
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel doesn't typically give out much information when asked about injuries. Usually, Heupel will hit reporters with a "we'll see where we're at on the back end of the week" when asked about an injury. And that almost always means that fans and reporters will find out just before kickoff […]
Tennessee Vols head coach Josh Heupel doesn't typically give out much information when asked about injuries.
Usually, Heupel will hit reporters with a "we'll see where we're at on the back end of the week" when asked about an injury. And that almost always means that fans and reporters will find out just before kickoff whether or not a player with an injury will be playing.
On Monday, however, Heupel took a sharp departure from his typical approach and he was very transparent when asked about three players who didn't play in the Vols' win against UConn this past weekend.
A reporter asked Heupel about the statuses of running back Jabari Small, offensive tackle John Campbell, and defensive lineman Omari Thomas (all three players sat out against the Huskies).
Heupel noted that all three players could've played on Saturday and will be available for Tennessee's game against Missouri this upcoming weekend.
"[It was an] opportunity for them to get completely healthy here," said Heupel. "They all had an opportunity [to play], would've been available if we felt like we needed them to, but just elected not to play them in that game. It'll be big to have all those guys back fresh and ready to roll."
There was never any serious concern that Small, Campbell, or Thomas would be out for the Missouri game. But it still wouldn't have been a surprise if Heupel had been coy about their availability for the Mizzou game.
Ultimately, sitting those three players proved to be a wise decision by Heupel. Tennessee didn't need them in the blowout win against UConn. And the extra week of rest should allow those guys to be fresh for the final three games of the regular season.
Comments from Vols senior tell Tennessee fans all they need to know about Nico Iamaleava
Incredibly telling comments when it comes to Nico
