Report: Cedric Tillman didn't make trip with Tennessee to LSU, out for Saturday's game

As Tennessee looks to remain undefeated on Saturday against LSU, they’ll have to do it without star wide receiver Cedric Tillman.

After reports conflicted on whether or not Tillman would play against the Tigers, it’s been revealed by Bruce Feldman that the Volunteers star didn’t make the trip, instead staying back in Knoxville to rehab.

“Tennessee will be without star WR Cedric Tillman at LSU today, per source,” tweeted Feldman. “Tillman didn’t make the trip, staying back at UT to rehab. Am told he is working toward playing next week and did do some running this week.”

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Alas, losing Tillman was quite a blow for Tennessee heading into their last matchup against Florida earlier this season. But ahead a bye week with LSU on the docket next, Tillman took a big step to try and speed up his return.

To illustrate, Tillman underwent “tightrope” ankle surgery to avoid missing more time, ESPN’s Chris Low originally reported. It’s the same type of procedure Tua Tagovailoa underwent twice while he was at Alabama. The first time, Tagovailoa returned in 28 days, and he came within three weeks of the second surgery.

Originally, Tillman suffered the injury in Tennessee’s victory over Akron Sept. 17, which caused him to miss the Volunteers’ thrilling victory over the Gators at Neyland Stadium. In three games this season, he has 17 receptions for 246 yards and a touchdown to his name, one year after totaling more than 1,000 yards. 

He decided to forego the 2022 NFL Draft, returning for one more go-round with the Vols and quarterback Hendon Hooker.

Now, Cedric Tillman and the Volunteers have everything ahead of them, but they’ll need to travel to No. 25 LSU this coming weekend and leave with a victory. The star Tennessee wide receiver may not be on the field, but he’ll be hoping to return for next weekend’s showdown with Alabama.