Clark Lea provides injury updates on AJ Swann, others vs. Georgia
Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea provided injury and status updates for his team ahead of its game this weekend against Georgia.
Among the updates included at the quarterback position, where opening-day starter AJ Swann has been available the past two weeks but Lea has started Ken Seals instead.
Seals is still leading the first team offense in practice but Lea said they will continue to evaluate that situation every day.
“He’s been available both weekends so it’s not an injury that keeps him from playing. But he was struggling in the performance. We identified the part of that was not feeling 100% and we want to make sure the guy that we’re putting out there is able to do what that position asks of it to do,” Lea said in his Tuesday press conference.
“On the first week, he was on pitch count that was against Missouri. Last week, he came back and was able to practice a full week but still seemed a little off. He’s back and his had his two best days back to back here.”
Seals is 46 of 76 throwing the football this season with six touchdowns and one interceptions. Swann has completed 93 of 173 passes for 11 touchdowns and seven picks.
“We’re encouraged with where AJ is headed, and probably something that we’ll look at obviously day to day this week,” Lea said. “But kind of re-evaluate coming out of the bye to set a course for just some expectation, too. I think internally that helps as well, where everyone on offense expects and knows what their role is going to be. Again, it’s good to see AJ coming back. I feel good about where he’s headed right now. We’re day-to-day on the decision.”
While Swann is off the injury report, there are multiple key players for the Commodores dealing with injuries. That includes BJ Anderson and Jake Ketschek, who Lea ruled out for the game.
“BJ Anderson, still not going to be available,” Lea said. “Jake Ketschek is returning to practice. He starting to do some individual, Hopefully we can get him back after the bye week.”
Lea also provided updates for four other players: defensive backs Martel Hight, Jaylen Mahoney and De’Rickey Wright as well as offensive tackle Grayson Morgan.
“De’Rickey Wright is doubtful for the game,” Lea said. “He’s just been battling this ankle sprain. He tried on Saturday, wasn’t able to push through. I think, it may be in his best interest just to try to build two consecutive weeks to recover and hope to get him back after the bye so right now he’s doubtful. Martel Hight, who wasn’t able to finish the game, is questionable for Saturday. Grayson Morgan’s returning. He’s not been available. He was able to practice today. He’s feeling better. Questionable for Saturday. Jaylen Mahoney is back.”
Vanderbilt injury updates ahead of Georgia
BJ Anderson — Out
Jake Ketschek — Out
Martel Hight — Questionable
Jaylen Mahoney — Available
Grayson Morgan — Questionable
De’Rickey Wright — Doubtful