Some notes and observations from the offensive side of the ball at the open portion of Tuesday’s practice, which was held indoors due to the freezing temperatures…
Injury updates: Center Mack Crowder (ankle/knee), who Butch Jones has said is “questionable” for Saturday’s game against Missouri, was not present during the open portion of practice. Marquez North, who appeared to have a brace on his shoulder, Jalen Hurd and Marlin Lane all practiced in green, non-contact jerseys.
Austin Sanders (ankle) wasn’t present during the open portion. Derrell Scott, who didn’t dress out against Kentucky, was in full pads, but still had a cast on his hand.
Center update: With Crowder out Tuesday, Dylan Wiesman, Marcus Jackson, Kyler Kerbyson and Coleman Thomas all got some snaps at center. Jones said on Monday that Wiesman will be the starter and we saw no evidence to contradict that, but while Wiesman was taking reps with the punt team, it was Thomas, who was a high school center, getting the reps at center with the rest of the traditional offensive line (Kerbyson, Jackson, Robertson, Gilliam).
Jones certainly left the possibility of switching guys around open as well. Jackson can play center, opening the possibility of Kerbyson shifting to guard and Brett Kendrick playing tackle. We’ll keep an eye out for that possible look as the week progresses.
Quarterback watch: Joshua Dobbs, who the coaches are always looking for practice consistency from, seemed to have a good day throwing the ball, at least in the open portion. In a drill where he threw routes on air, he completed all 12 of his passes – most of them right on the money – with just two or three being a bit behind the receiver. He was crisp on all types of throws – slants, posts, outs and others.
Punt returners: Cam Sutton, Von Pearson, Pig Howard, Jacob Carter, Vic Wharton and Josh Malone all got work at punt returner.
