The Tigers have been fortunate enough to avoid a significant number of major injuries since [autotag]Maason Smith[/autotag] was lost to a torn ACL on the first drive of the season. But the bye in Week 9 comes at a good time for this team, as it enters the break a bit banged up.
However, coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] provided some positive injury updates during the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday.
Starting with arguably the most important of the group, Kelly said that safety [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag], who has missed the last several games with a neck injury, is in his final week of non-contact and will be cleared as a full participant next week. Kelly seemed optimistic about his chances of playing in the crucial game against Alabama on Nov. 5.
“Major will be non-contact for the rest of the week and then be cleared for Monday,” Kelly said. “We’re excited about that for Major. So, he is in the game plan to play against Alabama.”
Kelly also discussed the status of receiver [autotag]Jack Bech[/autotag], who missed the game against Ole Miss after suffering a lower back injury in the win over Florida. Bech is also expected to suit up against Alabama.
“Jack is going to stay around here,” said Kelly. “He’s not going to go home. He’ll be here all weekend preparing. I asked him yesterday ‘what’s your feeling about Alabama.’ He goes ‘no doubt, I’ll be playing.’ I think that’s the mentality that he has.”
Finally, Kelly touched on running back [autotag]John Emery Jr.[/autotag], who missed the game against Ole Miss with an Achilles strain and is considered day-to-day. Emery was expected to have a big year, but after suspension held him out of the first two games, he’s been a bit slow to get back in the fold.
So far, most of the carries this fall have gone to Josh Williams and Armoni Goodwin, who returned from a hamstring injury last week. However, that could be set to change as Emery gets healthier and more familiar with the offense down the stretch.
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