Josh Heupel provides update on Tennessee football QB Faizon Brandon's injury
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Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel revealed that the decision about the Vols' starting quarterback for Arkansas was made at the beginning of the week, but they're going to "play it by ear" going forward.
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Sophomore George MacIntyre got his first career start and led the No. 14 Vols to a 24-17 win over Arkansas on Oct. 10 in their first SEC road game. MacIntyre finished the Auburn game on Oct. 3 after freshman Faizon Brandon was benched during the second quarter.
Brandon is dealing with a right shoulder injury, which he suffered during the 20-17 loss to Texas on Sept. 26.
"Just with what he was dealing with, (Brandon) really didn't rep during the course of the week," Heupel said after the Arlansas win. "George knew on Monday that he was going to start this week, and we'll continue to play it by ear as we keep going. The strength of one room can never be one guy. I know most of you guys are tired of me saying that, but that's the truth of it. And we'll keep growing and going."
Brandon was listed on the SEC availability report as questionable throughout the week and then as a game-time decision on the final availability report on game day.
When asked how Brandon has dealt with being benched as a young quarterback, Heupel repeated that he's "dealing with an injury."
"George handled it well when Faizon got named the starter, and Faizon's handled it well dealing with his shoulder, continuing to stay invested at practice, in the meeting room, helping that room out," Heupel said. "(He) was here for emergency use only this week."
Brandon was named Tennessee's starter as a true freshman to start the 2026 season. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder has completed 61 of 101 passes this season for 697 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. Brandon has also rushed for 130 yards on 53 carries for three touchdowns.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Josh Heupel provides update on Tennessee football QB Faizon Brandon's injury