Texas A&M Aggies CB Tony Grimes 'Not Healthy Enough' To Help Secondary In Conference Play

Tony Grimes has been out since the start of fall practice with a lower-body injury.

COLLEGE STATION -- When Tony Grimes elected to transfer to Texas A&M following a successful career at North Carolina, Aggie fans expected to be a bonafide shutdown corner. 

In retrospect, Grimes has been the one shut down due to a lingering lower-body injury suffered sometime before the start of the season. According to Aggies Jimbo Fisher, the senior hasn't been able to stay fully healthy in practice because the injury "swells up and bothers him for a couple of days."

"He hasn’t been able to practice consistently since the season began," said Fisher Monday following the 26-20 loss to No. 11 Alabama. "We want to play him and try to get him back, but we just can’t get him all the way healthy to get him back in there.” 

Grimes' impact was missed Saturday in another close-but-no-cigar showdown against the Crimson Tide. Jalen Milroe attacked both Deuce Harmon and Josh DeBerry deep, often targeting senior receiver Jermaine Burton. 

Burton, one of the nation's top vertical threats, finished with nine receptions for 197 yards and two scores. The Crimson Tide (5-1, 3-0 SEC) totaled 321 passing yards and scored two touchdowns on third-and-long plays.

Replacing junior Jaylon Jones has been a struggle through six games. DeBerry, a graduate transfer from Boston College, has seen the most reps, but his inconsistent play factored into A&M's inability to stop the pass. 

DeBerry isn't alone. Junior Tyreek Chappell and Harmon have also struggled at times in man coverage. The same goes for nickel defender Bryce Anderson, who notched his first interception during the third quarter. 

Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Walter Nolen (No. 0) celebrates a sack against Alabama Crismon Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (No. 4) during the third quarter.  / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Entering Saturday's road matchup against No. 19 Tennessee, the Aggies (4-2, 2-1 SEC) must figure out a way to mitigate mistakes in the secondary. DeBerry leads the team with seven pass breakups, and likely gets first-team reps, but Fisher could turn to other options if the Volunteers (4-1, 1-1 SEC) begin to find life through the air behind Joe Milton's arm. 

“We’ll look around,” Fisher said. “But Josh did some good things. A couple of those balls, he’s right there to make the play. [But] they made contested catches and then he bit on a double move.”

Chappell, who's started 25 games since 2021, likely isn't in jeopardy of losing reps. Fisher could, however, elect to move DeBerry inside and Anderson to safety if either sophomore Sam McCall or freshman Javon Thomas sparks intrigue throughout practice. 

Grimes, who played in 37 games during his three seasons with Tar Heels, could eventually work his way into the starting lineup, but without a consistent week of practice, it's hard to put a timetable on his return. 

The Aggies have also been short-handed at safety after Jardin Gilbert underwent season-ending shoulder surgery last month. Sophomore Jacoby Matthews has seen the majority of the reps in his place. 

Kickoff from Neyland Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EST.