Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman out towards Florida as a result of ankle damage, sources say

Tennessee star large receiver Cedric Tillman is not going to play towards Florida on Saturday due to an ankle damage, sources instructed ESPN.

Tillman injured his ankle final week towards Akron halfway by means of the second quarter. With Tennessee having a bye subsequent week, there may be optimism that he may return for the Volunteers’ subsequent recreation at LSU on Oct. 8, sources mentioned.

Tillman entered the season as the best returning receiver within the SEC and a first-team all-conference preseason choice, and he’s thought-about Tennessee’s prime receiving menace. In three video games this season, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Tillman had 17 catches for 246 yards and a landing.

Tillman’s absence can be important for a Tennessee offense that depends closely on the passing recreation and vertical routes. Veteran Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker is anticipated to look extra to dynamic slot receiver Jalin Hyatt, who can also be a deep menace and is Tennessee’s main pass-catcher this season with 18 receptions for 267 yards and three touchdowns. USC switch Bru McCoy, who begins on the different exterior large receiver place, will probably see extra targets. He has caught eight passes for 109 yards and one landing this yr.

Changing Tillman within the beginning lineup is anticipated to be senior Ramel Keyton, who has 5 catches for 114 yards and one landing. Sophomore Walker Merrill may additionally see elevated snaps.

Tennessee enters Saturday No. 3 nationally in whole offense (553.7 YPG) and No. 5 in passing offense (371.3). The Vols are No. 4 in scoring at 52.0 factors per recreation.

For the Gators, linebacker Ventrell Miller can be a game-time determination as a result of a leg damage, sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.

Miller missed final week’s win over South Florida with a decrease leg damage. Sources mentioned there may be hope inside the program that he’ll play at the very least some towards Tennessee.