Josh Heupel updates Tennessee's health following bye week

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel is optimistic that a couple of players who have been banged up will be able to play on Saturday against Texas A&M.

Heupel was asked about Vols defensive back Doneiko Slaughter and wide receiver Dont’e Thornton in particular. Both seem to be doing well coming out of the bye week.

“Guys that have been nicked up have all had good work,” Josh Heupel said Thursday. “We typically wait until Friday or pregame warmups to make a final determination from our medical staff and the player himself. But anticipate those guys being ready to roll.”

Slaughter has battled injuries for much of the season. The senior started the first two games of the year, before missing matchups with Florida and UTSA. He played a limited number of snaps for Tennessee against South Carolina, prior to the Vols bye week. The versatile defender has made a pair of tackles on the year.

Thornton came off the bench for Tennessee the first four games of the season, before missing the South Carolina game. The Oregon transfer has seven catches for 89 yards so far this year.

Last season at Oregon, Thornton caught 17 passes for 366 yards and a touchdown. He averaged a team-best 21.53 yards per catch.

Josh Heupel provides injury update on linebacker Keenan Pili

Earlier this week, Tennessee coach Josh Heupel provided an update on linebacker Keenan Pili. Pili will be out a little while longer, Heupel shared.

The Volunteers have been without the transfer defender since he left the season opener with an injury.

And while he was originally expected to miss a few weeks, it’s been more than a month since Pili last played. Heupel is still hopeful to get him back this year, but it won’t be this weekend.

“Um, we’ll see where were at here a little bit, week-by-week. He’s not ready to go in this one but we’ll continue to see where he’s at,” Heupel said on the SEC coaches teleconference.

Heupel commended Pili for staying engaged and serving as a leader for Tennessee, even as he’s been held out from playing.

“But our young guys are continuing to step up at that position but Keenan, a special leader and has been even while he’s been out. One of the first ones in the building, constantly watching film, I think he’s been a real help to the young guys that are out there on the football field and he’s working his butt off to get back as soon as possible and obviously we feel like he’s a difference maker,” Heupel said.