8:25 a.m. ET
Pete Thamel ESPN
Tennessee star wide receiver Cedric Tillman will not play against Florida on Saturday because of an ankle injury, sources told ESPN.
Tillman injured his ankle midway through the second quarter against Akron last week. With Tennessee having a bye next week, there is optimism he could return for the Volunteers’ next game at LSU on Oct. 8, sources said.
Tillman went down the season as the most prolific returning receiver in the SEC and a preseason pick for all first-team conferences, and is considered Tennessee’s greatest threat. In three games this season, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Tillman had 17 catches for 246 yards and one touchdown.
Tillman’s absence will be significant for a Tennessee offense that relies heavily on passing and vertical paths. Veteran Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker is expected to look more to dynamic slot receiver Jalin Hyatt, who is also a major threat and is Tennessee’s leading passer with 18 receptions for 267 yards and three touchdowns this season. USC transfer Bru McCoy, who starts at the other wide receiver position, will likely see more targets. He has caught eight passes for 109 yards and one touchdown this year.
Replacing Tillman on the starting lineup is senior Ramel Keyton, who has five catches for 114 yards and one touchdown. Sophomore Walker Merrill could also see elevated snaps.
Tennessee enters Saturday No. 3 nationally in total offense (553.7 YPG) and No. 5 in passing (371.3). They are No. 4 in the standings with 52.0 points per game.