Cedric Tillman out for Tennessee football against Missouri with injury
Cedric Tillman did not play for Tennessee football against Missouri on Saturday due to injury-related precautions.
The senior wide receiver went through senior day ceremonies before the game in uniform, but changed into sweats and was not in pads on the sideline as the No. 11 Vols faced the Tigers at Neyland Stadium.
“Ced could have played in this one," Vols coach Josh Heupel said. "Just everything going on it has nothing to do with the ankle. He will be ready to go next week. As a program and talking with him after warmups, we felt like it was probably best to sit this one out.”
Tillman, a preseason All-SEC selection, suffered an ankle injury against Akron on Sept. 17 and missed the following four games. He returned against Kentucky on Oct. 29 and played against Georgia on Nov. 5.
The senior wide receiver had no limitations against Georgia after being on a "pitch count" against Kentucky, according to coach Josh Heupel. Tillman had a team-high seven catches for 68 yards against the Bulldogs. He had four catches for 22 yards against Kentucky in his return from the injury.
"He looks like his old self, maybe fresh legs a little bit in some ways, but he’s continued to press to improve every single day," offensive coordinator Alex Golesh said Tuesday. "Really, really good to have him. I think you saw him on Saturday, he made some plays that were hard to make."
Tillman has 28 catches for 336 yards and a touchdown in five games.
Tennessee also was without cornerback Kamal Hadden and quarterback Tayven Jackson against the Tigers.
This story will be updated
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Cedric Tillman out for Tennessee football against Missouri with injury
