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Josh Heupel provides injury updates on Cedric Tillman, Jabari Small

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•09/17/22•

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The Tennessee offense suffered two big losses when Cedric Tillman and Jabari Small left with injuries. After the game, Volunteers coach Josh Heupel provided updates on the duo.

Heupel said he didn’t know much about Tillman and Small’s statuses going forward, but said the team remains optimistic. Tillman suffered what appeared to be a lower-body injury and headed to the medical tent while Small also left the game in the first half. However, given how big Tennessee’s lead was, Heupel felt it was best to keep them out the rest of the night.

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“Ced, don’t know yet at this point, but we’re hopeful. Jabari, same thing,” Heupel said in his postgame press conference. “We held them from that point on in the football game just because of the scoreboard and [to] get those guys some treatment.”

Tennessee still won the game handily, defeating Akron 63-6 as Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton threw for two touchdowns apiece. The Vols now will turn their attention to their SEC opener next week against Florida at Neyland Stadium.

More on Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman’s injury

Things had been going well for Tennessee early in their matchup against Akron. The offense had been rolling, getting 21 points thus far in the second quarter. Even the defense was performing well, shutting out the Zips.

However, things have taken a turn for the worst on the injury front. Star wide receiver Cedric Tillman took a hit while in the air and immediately went down with what looks like a lower-body injury. He was not able to get up, as the Tennessee training staff rushed onto the field.

When leaping up to get a pass, the Akron defender went for the tackle. His leg came down in a funny way, causing the injury. Although Tillman was able to walk off under his own power, there was a noticeable limp and he went straight to the medical tent.

The ESPN broadcast provided an update on Tillman shortly after the injury. After walking out of the tent, the wide receiver said “I’m good.” However, he will be out for the remainder of the game and will not return.