Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel has some tough situations to manage heading into Saturday’s game against Alabama.
The Vols have some rather significant potential absences looming unless things suddenly turn ship shape from a legal and health standpoint. The Vols could be without one of their most decorated players, a starter at a key position and a player who is facing serious charges.
Heupel declined to answer a question concerning defensive back Jaylen McCollough as to whether or not the senior had even practiced this week. That’s a pretty clear indication that McCollough, who is facing an aggravated assault charge following an arrest on Sunday, will not be available against the Crimson Tide.
“We’re getting multiple guys ready to play,” Heupel said. “With the situation, there’s a process that goes on and we’re still going through that. We’ll see where we get to late tomorrow.”
The Vols will also be without preseason All-SEC receiver Cedric Tillman, according to a report by WBIR. Heupel declined to share any insight.
“We’ll see where we get to after tomorrow,” Heupel said when asked about Tillman.
The Vols were also without left offensive tackle Gerald Mincey against LSU with an undisclosed injury. Mincey’s status is still unknown. However, Jeremiah Crawford played well against LSU so it seems the Vols can have success without Mincey in the lineup. However, Tennessee will have to limit Bama defensive end/linebacker Will Anderson, Jr., on Saturday. He is widely considered the best edge rusher and best overall defender in the nation.
