Josh Heupel updates Cedric Tillman's injury status for Tennessee football vs. LSU
Josh Heupel didn't rule Cedric Tillman out for Tennessee football vs. LSU on Saturday. Heupel also didn't say UT's star receiver will play as he continues to work back from an ankle injury.
"Cedric is able to move around," Heupel said Thursday. "Ultimately, that will be a decision the medical staff and him make (Friday) whether or not he is going to play."
No. 8 Tennessee (4-0, 1-0 SEC) faces LSU (4-1, 2-0) on Saturday (noon ET, ESPN).
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Tillman was injured in the first half of Tennessee's win against Akron on Sept. 17 while making a reception on a high throw from Hendon Hooker. He was down on the field for a while after being tackled awkwardly, then walked off.
Heupel confirmed Monday that Tillman had surgery, which "gave him the opportunity to speed up the recovery process." Heupel said during UT's open week that he was hopeful that Tillman would play at LSU, but Heupel put conditions on that availability Monday.
"(Tillman) has got to be a functional player and play at the level that we expect him to and what he wants to play at too," Heupel said.
Tillman, a preseason All-SEC selection, has 17 receptions for 246 yards and a touchdown. He was a 1,000-yard receiver in 2021.
The Vols got career-best performances from Bru McCoy and Ramel Keyton in their 38-33 win over Florida. McCoy had 102 yards receiving and a touchdown. Keyton had 69 yards receiving, including a diving 43-yard catch in a 99-yard touchdown drive that turned the game.
Jalin Hyatt is UT's leading receiver with 325 yards and three touchdowns on 23 receptions.
"We have great trust and belief in the guys that have played," Heupel said.
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: Josh Heupel updates Cedric Tillman injury for Tennessee football at LSU
