Tebow progressing, won't practice Monday

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Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is reading, watching television, attending class, studying film and doing just about everything else he was before his concussion.

Except practicing.

Florida coach Urban Meyer said Monday that his star player has not been cleared to return to the field or play against No. 4 LSU on Saturday night.

But Meyer said the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner is no longer dealing with post-concussion symptoms.

"From what I understand, there's no symptoms and I think he's cleared to act like Tim Tebow," Meyer said. "Everything but practice right now. I know he's allowed to watch TV. Earlier in the week he wasn't allowed to do anything focused. I guess that's normal protocol. And then after a week they acclimate."

Meyer said Tebow has been without headaches and other symptoms for several days. He said Tebow was given balance and memory tests Friday, Sunday and Monday, and the results were "very positive."

Tebow was hospitalized overnight nine days ago after his helmet struck teammate Marcus Gilbert's leg during a sack in the game against Kentucky.

Tebow didn't attend any of Florida's practices last week, and Meyer said he wasn't sure whether Tebow would return this week.

Meyer also said Tebow still could play if he got cleared late in the week.

"I can't answer that," Meyer said. "Can Tim play quarterback at Florida against a very good defense without practicing? I don't know that. It's going to be as we move on."

The Gators planned to practice Monday afternoon with third-year sophomore John Brantley taking most of the repetitions at quarterback.

Brantley has completed 73 percent of his passes this season for 232 yards, with four touchdowns and no interceptions. But he's played only in mop-up duty, so he still hasn't taken a meaningful snap in three years at Florida.

Meyer said he would let everyone know when, and if, Tebow was cleared to practice, and insisted he wouldn't keep it a secret in hopes of deceiving the Tigers or making them prepare for both quarterbacks.

"I haven't even thought about it," Meyer said. "A lot of that I think is overrated. I think one's a great proven player and one's got a lot of ability. Do things change? Are we going to abandon [our offense] and all of a sudden be this I-formation, under-center, power, off-tackle team? No, we're not.

"We might have some of that in there. So is there an advantage? I don't know that. You'd have to ask them, but I think a lot of that's overrated."

 

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UF's Tebow back at practice, not cleared to play

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow has returned to practice on a limited basis, though he still has not been cleared to play in Saturday's game against No. 4 LSU.

Tebow was in full pads Tuesday and wearing a red non-contact jersey, which is normal for a quarterback. He was taking snaps with the first-team offense and throwing passes.

A person familiar with the situation told ESPN's Joe Schad that doctors were satisfied with the progress the quarterback has shown in balance, equilibrium and memory testing. He must reach certain measurable standards to progress to the next level in his participation.

The Heisman Trophy winner suffered a concussion in Florida's last game against Kentucky on Sept. 26 when his head slammed into a teammates knee after he took a hard hit to the chest.

He spent the night in a Lexington, Ky., hospital and has not practiced since.

The Gators were off last week.

 

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Meyer: Tebow likely a game-time call

Whether Tim Tebow will play Saturday against LSU probably won't be determined until game time.

Meyer said any announcement about Tebow's playing status wouldn't come "until the foot hits the ball down there."

Meyer said he expects Tebow to practice for the second straight day Wednesday but that the Gators' star quarterback has still not been cleared for contact after suffering a concussion Sept. 26 against Kentucky.

"I think that this will be a decision not made today," Meyer said. "After yesterday's practice, I was told to game plan with the intent that there's a chance that Tim could play. That's all I know. All the other stuff ... we'll make a decision as we get closer.

"Is it an advantage for us not telling? I'm not worried about that right now," he added.

Meyer said there would be ongoing evaluation and communication up until the 8 p.m. ET kickoff Saturday.

Meyer said he would err on the side of caution on whether to play Tebow even if the quarterback gets medical clearance. Tebow underwent more testing Wednesday morning.

Meyer also said the crowd noise at Tiger Stadium could be a factor.

"If the noise bothers Tim, he won't be in the game. It means he's still symptomatic [from his concussion]," Meyer said.

If Tebow can't play, sophomore John Brantley will start at quarterback for the Gators.