HOOVER, Ala. — Shy Tuttle was developing into a key piece of Tennessee’s defense last season when he suffered a significant injury in the win against Georgia.
The big defensive tackle suffered a broken leg and torn ankle ligaments against the Bulldogs, and the road to recovery for the 300-pounder never was going to be short or easy.
The Volunteers remain encouraged with Tuttle’s progress and hope he’ll be available when the season kicks off in September.
“We’re hopeful,” Tennessee coach Butch Jones said Tuesday at SEC media days. “Right now he’ll actually start running next week. He’s gone through all the strength and conditioning activities, but for him, it’s going to be how much he can handle. I see him more being available maybe toward the middle of training camp.
More from SEC Media Days
Greeson: Shared spotlight an omen for Bulldogs, VolsVols welcoming life as SEC East favoritesJalen Reeves-Maybin ‘on track’ in recovery from shoulder surgeryGeorgia’s Kirby Smart enters first season with numerous offensive questionsKirby Smart facing tougher decisions as SEC head coachVols remain ‘hopeful’ Shy Tuttle will return soonJim Chaney makes SEC return at GeorgiaButch Jones: No ‘relief’ in lawsuit settlement5-at-10: SEC media days part IGreeson: SEC commissioner Greg Sankey needs to earn the title of leader Florida Gators exercise bragging rights for streak against Vols Auburn’s Gus Malzahn confident entering fourth season Vanderbilt Commodores confident in sophomore quarterback