Sophomore receiver Josh Smith announced via Twitter on Friday afternoon that surgery to repair a ligament in his ankle was successful.
Surgery went great. Thank you for all the prayers, calls, and support! Can't wait to be back out there! #25comeback #119
— Josh Smith (@JoshSmith_25) November 7, 2014
Smith injured the ankle against Oklahoma and was only expected to miss three-to-four weeks with a high-ankle sprain; but complications in the healing process ultimately led to this surgery, and have subsequently ended his 2014 season.
“Every person’s body is different,” Butch Jones said of Smith’s injury. “His body isn’t healing right now. He’s making progress, but he’s nowhere near where he can play right now.”
It’s a tough break for Smith, who battled through injuries last season but was finally healthy when this season began. The Knoxville native and CAK standout looked poised for a very productive season for the Vols. It is now expected that Smith and the University of Tennessee will apply for a medical redshirt for this season so as not to lose a year of eligibility, but it isn’t yet known whether or not the NCAA would grant him the redshirt.
Through three games this season, Smith had accounted for 10 catches, 135 yards and a touchdown before going down against the Sooners. Last season, as a true freshman, Smith had 12 catches for 182 yards and a touchdown while seeing action in 11 games.
