Tennessee football kicked off its second week of fall practice on Tuesday morning at the Haslam Practice Field with a handful of Vols returning to the field after missing time late last week and a projected starter missing practice time for the first time in fall camp.
Sophomore receiver Mike Matthews and William Satterwhite both returned to practice and were full participants after missing Sunday’s practice. Redshirt freshman tight end Cole Harrison was a full participant for the first time in fall camp while Boo Carter was also a full participant for the first time in fall camp.
Redshirt freshman slot receiver Braylon Staley was not active during the portions of practice open to the media. It was the first time this fall that Staley was not a full participant in the open portions of practice. Chris Brazzell, Jermod McCoy and Christian Gass remained sidelined as they have been all camp. Senior edge rusher Josh Josephs was also sidelined for a third straight practice.
McCoy and Gass worked off to the side during practice while Brazzell and Josephs were completely absent during the open portions of practice.
There’s no expectation for McCoy’s participation level to ramp up soon as he continues to work back from the torn ACL he suffered back in January. The injuries for Gass and Brazzell are uncertain but have sidelined them long enough that it is notable.
Carter has been at every Tennessee practice but had yet to do team activities as he worked to get back in good graces after missing numerous summer workouts. There’s more details on Carter’s situation and status here.
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Josephs’ limited time missed is not notable yet as he’s missed just three days. The senior is also a proven player who missing minimal practice is not as important as it is for some. Josephs is coming off a junior season where he totaled 39 tackles, two sacks and three forced fumbles while grading out as one of the best edge rushers in the SEC according to PFF.
With James Pearce Jr off to the NFL, Josephs is Tennessee’s top LEO entering the season. Despite a productive junior season, the Vols need Josephs to take another step forward rushing the passer this season to help offset Pearce’s departure.
Both Matthews and Staley are second year receivers who are expected to start for Tennessee next season. They combined to catch just 10 passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns. With both stepping into much bigger roles this season and building chemistry with a new quarterback, it’s significant that Matthews is back on the field and Staley is missing practice time.
Satterwhite is competing for the starting center spot as Tennessee looks to replace multi-year starter Cooper Mays. The redshirt sophomore Satterwhite is battling with Notre Dame transfer Sam Pendleton and Max Anderson for the starting spot.
Tennessee football returns to the Haslam Practice Field and puts full pads on Wednesday morning for its sixth fall practice. The Vols are then off Thursday and then practice Friday in preparation for their first fall scrimmage Saturday morning.
