Joe Milton injury: Tennessee coach Josh Heupel provides update

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel provided an update postgame on the injury that left quarterback Joe Milton unable to return to Saturday’s game against Pittsburgh. Milton left in the second quarter to the locker room with an apparent limp.

Virginia Tech transfer Hendon Hooker took over and Heupel was pleased with the job he did filling in.

“He was, couldn’t come back,” Heupel said. “Hendon Hooker did a great job coming off the bench, competing, giving us a chance, making some plays with his feet and being decisive with the ball in his hands. There are things he would want to do better and do differently. Obviously, the last play he had an opportunity on where we turned it over, but I thought our football team rallied around him, believed in him, and he went out there and competed. He fought extremely hard and gave us a chance in the second half.”

Prior to exiting the game, Milton was 7-of-12 passing for 50 yards He also added 54 yards rushing on five carries.

Hooker stepped in and finished the game 15-of-21 passing for 188 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He had nine carries for 49 yards.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to lead them to a victory as Tennessee lost 41-34 at home.

The extent of Milton’s injury is unclear. Although Heupel said it was significant enough that he couldn’t return, he made no comment on his availability for next week.

The Volunteers are set to take on Tennessee Tech at noon ET next Saturday in Knoxville. We should get more updates from Heupel on the Joe Milton injury the closer we get to game day.

If he is unable to go, Tennessee will still find itself in good hands thanks to Hendon Hooker. Thankfully, the weak opponents should give the Volunteers time to adjust to whatever their situation is.