Thought lost for the season, safety LaDarrell McNeil returns to practice

Published Sep. 8, 2015 10:03 p.m. ET

foxsports

A surprising face showed up on the practice field for Tennessee Tuesday as senior safety LaDarrell McNeil participated in the team's lead up to the Oklahoma game, albeit in a green non-contact jersey.

McNeil was feared to have been lost for the season just as Tennessee wrapped up fall camp, however after gaining a second opinion on his neck injury, the senior returned to the field. After surrendering several long pass plays in the opener against Bowling Green, the team appeared to struggle adjusting to his absence from the lineup.

“It was really good having LaDarrell back out there,” defensive coordinator John Jancek said following Tuesday's practice. “He’s a great kid, and he’s certainly a guy who knows our defense, you know? We’ve missed him back there.

“There’s no replacement for experience, and LaDarrell has a lot of experience. He’s really playing his best football, too, so it’s good to have him back out there.”

McNeil had started the last three seasons in Knoxville and was expected to be one of the key leaders for the defense this season.

The coaching staff would not discuss the safety’s status for this weekend nor would the players, leaving his availability up to head coach Butch Jones during his Wednesday press conference. Obviously his return would be a huge boost for the Oklahoma game, even in a limited capacity. If McNeil does see the field, expect him to play well, as he's only missed the last two weeks of preparation.