Cooper Mays Making Season Debut vs. South Carolina

Tennessee Volunteers starting center Cooper Mays will make his season debut tonight, according to On3 Sports.

The Vols got some of the best news they've gotten all year this morning. On3's Matt Zenitz reported that starting center Cooper Mays will make his season debut against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday. Mays dressed for the past two games but hasn't logged a signal snap. Mays underwent surgery for a hernia six weeks ago and has finally gained a clean bill of health. Tennessee will need him against the Gamecocks, and it will be interesting to see how his presence affects the offense.

Tennessee preseason All-SEC center Cooper Mays, starting running back Jaylen Wright and leading receiver Ramel Keyton are all set to play against South Carolina today, sources tell @on3sports.
⁰Will be the season debut for Mays. Wright and Keyton had both sustained injuries last… pic.twitter.com/gJrHE2JiLM

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 30, 2023

Tennessee Football Injury Report: South Carolina

• Joe Milton III - IN. Heupel said Milton's earlier medical center visit this week was a precautionary visit in line with their daily health requirements. "I anticipate him being ready to go play really well," Heupel said.
• Jaylen Wright - IN. Wright left the UTSA game in the first half and didn't return. On3 reported on Saturday morning that he will play against South Carolina.
• Ramel Keyton - IN. Keyton left the UTSA game and didn't return. Kelsey Pope did say he expects all his receivers to be ready this weekend, and On3 reported on Saturday morning that he will play against South Carolina.
• Bru McCoy - IN. McCoy left the UTSA game and didn't return. Kelsey Pope did say he expects all his receivers to be ready this weekend.
• Cooper Mays - IN. Mays still hasn't made his season debut after undergoing surgery six weeks ago. According to On3, Mays will make his first start of the year against South Carolina this evening.
• Keenan Pili - OUT. Pili got hurt in the opener against Virginia and hasn't returned to the field since. Linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary has said he's still engaged and present, but this injury may hold him out even longer.
• Doneiko Slaughter - QUESTIONABLE. Slaughter has missed the last two games with a foot injury and could be a game-time decision. He is listed on the depth chart for South Carolina.
• Will Brooks - DOUBTFUL. Missed the UTSA game last week. Not listed on the depth chart for South Carolina.

Tennessee Volunteers C Cooper Mays during the win over UTSA. (Photo by Saul Young of the News Sentinel)

How To Watch: South Carolina @ Tennessee

• Gameday: Saturday, September 30th, 2023.
• Game time: 7:30 pm ET
• TV: SEC Network
• Stadium: Neyland Stadium (Knoxville, Tennessee)
• Live stream on fuboTV: Start with a 7-day free trial!

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