Josh Heupel updates Tennessee’s health following bye week

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel is optimistic that a couple of players who have been banged up will be able to play on Saturday against Texas A&M.

Heupel was asked about Vols defensive back Doneiko Slaughter and wide receiver Dont’e Thornton in particular. Both seem to be doing well coming out of the bye week.

“Guys that have been nicked up have all had good work,” Josh Heupel said Thursday. “We typically wait until Friday or pregame warmups to make a final determination from our medical staff and the player himself. But anticipate those guys being ready to roll.”

Slaughter has battled injuries for much of the season. The senior started the first two games of the year, before missing matchups with Florida and UTSA. He played a limited number of snaps for Tennessee against South Carolina, prior to the Vols bye week. The versatile defender has made a pair of tackles on the year.

Thornton came off the bench for Tennessee the first four games of the season, before missing the South Carolina game. The Oregon transfer has seven catches for 89 yards so far this year.

Last season at Oregon, Thornton caught 17 passes for 366 yards and a touchdown. He averaged a team-best 21.53 yards per catch.