Mark Stoops provides update on Jeremy Flax's status for Saturday

With the struggles they’ve had this season, No. 19 Kentucky can’t afford to be down offensive linemen. Thankfully, head coach Mark Stoops gave a positive update on the status of starting right tackle Jeremy Flax heading into Saturday’s matchup against No. 3 Tennessee.

“It’s been a good week so far, so we’ll see,” Stoops said on Thursday.

In Flax’s absence, Deondre Buford stepped in at right tackle and played extremely well down the stretch, which is a positive sign for the offensive line coming down the home stretch of the season. Despite their woes as a unit, Buford has earned himself some healthy minutes in the regular rotation after filling in for the injured Flax.

Still, a healthy Flax is someone that needs to be in the game, and in turn gives offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello more options in the running game, and quarterback Will Levis more time in the pocket. In the last few weeks, that versatility and comfort blocking the edge has put Kentucky is some precarious positions against recent opponents.

Flax has been nursing a hamstring injury over the past few weeks, and reaggravated it during the second quarter of the Mississippi State win just under two weeks ago. Looking like he’s on track to potentially play, Stoops feels like his starting right tackle could give the Wildcats a huge advantage against the Tennessee defense.

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“He’s played well. When he’s been healthy, you can see him getting to that point, we’re really starting to take it to another level,” Stoops said of Flax. “I think with the experience that he’s had, he’s helped get that position solidified and get better. He also brings a big physical presence, he’s a big, strong guy. Hopefully he’ll be at 100 percent, we’ll see.”

Regardless if Flax is able to suit up or not, the Wildcats and Volunteers are set to kick off inside Neyland Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET live on ESPN.