Josh Heupel provides injury update on wide receiver JaVonta Payton

Tennessee wide receiver JaVonta Payton left Tennessee’s 41-17 loss against Georgia after the second drive of the first quarter with an injury. He later returned to the sideline in street clothes after favoring his left arm. Head coach Josh Heupel addressed JaVonta Payton’s injury status moving forward during his postgame press conference.

“We’ll see where he’s at,” Heupel said. “I think he’ll have an opportunity to play next week.”

Payton as been a major part of Tennessee’s offense this season. He has 15 receptions for 374 yards and six touchdowns in his first season with the Volunteers.

Josh Heupel sends heartfelt message

Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers have turned heads all season. After a couple of huge victories, some theorized their high-powered offense could make them the team that upset the Georgia Bulldogs. Heck, former head coach Lane Kiffin even picked them on ESPN’s College GameDay.

While Tennessee raced out to a 10-7 lead early in the game, Georgia found their footing. In the end, the Bulldogs stomped another opponent, beating Tennessee 41-17. Following the tough loss, Heupel sent a message to Tennessee faithful to begin his press conference.

“It’s been almost a month since we’ve played a home game. Fans were electric and awesome,” said Heupel. “Before the game, Vol Walk was as good a sight as I’ve ever seen. The energy early inside of the stadium was fantastic. Appreciate what they did. Disappointed with the outcome.”

Evidently, Heupel took the loss to the Bulldogs hard. The disappointment remained evident on his face during the postgame interview. Still, Tennessee fans are encouraged by the way their team has played in recent weeks. It is easy to see why the Volunteers hired the right man to lead the program forward.

Former SEC East quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow also sees positive progress in the program. He praised the improved offense and coaching staff prior to Saturday’s game.

“In [Tennessee’s] formations and in their plays, it all looks the same. So, if you’re a defense, when you’re evaluating it, you’re thinking, ‘OK, I’m seeing a receiver screen,’ and then off of it is a screen and go. Or off of it is a screen and a pump,” Tebow said, explaining how Heupel’s offense is hard to read. “Everything plays off of one another, so if you’re a defense … you just can’t really [read the plays] against Heupel.”