Severity of Tebow's concussion still unknown, coach says
Michael DiRocco
GAINESVILLE - Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is recovering well from the concussion he suffered against Kentucky and UF coach Urban Meyer is optimistic that Tebow will be able to play against LSU in two weeks.
Meyer said Tebow was still feeling some effects of the injury on Monday, but nothing serious.
"He's still got a little bit of a headache, which I guess is normal, but he feels good," Meyer said. "He's eating well. Other than a little soreness and a headache, that's it.
" ... I think [Tebow will be able to play against LSU], but I don't know that."
Tebow had several tests on Monday and more are scheduled for today. Meyer said he did not know the severity of the concussion - whether it was a Grade 1, 2 or 3, which is the most serious - or when Tebow would return to practice.
"That's all training staff and doctors," Meyer said. "... As far as health-wise, we won't play him until he's ready."
The top-ranked Gators (4-0) do not play this week. Freshmen practiced Monday, and veteran players had the day off and will practice today. Meyer said he expects Tebow to be at the football facility with the rest his veteran teammates.
"Tim's doing good," Meyer said. "All the tests are coming back positive and I'm going to leave it up to the medical staff to update you guys because I don't want to give you information I don't know. But he's doing good. I talk to him all the time. [He's] feeling better."
Certainly much better than he did on Saturday night after the injury, which occurred when he was sacked by Kentucky defensive end Taylor Wyndham late in the third quarter. The back of Tebow's head struck UF offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert's left knee as Tebow was falling backward.
Tebow lay motionless for several seconds before trainers came to his aid. He eventually sat up and was helped to the sideline, where he was examined further. He was taken to University Medical Center in Lexington, and kept overnight for observation and tests.
Meyer stayed in Lexington with Tebow and Tebow's family. He said Tebow was coherent and in good spirits that night.
"You do that with any player but Tim's a special guy," Meyer said. "I just wanted to make sure he was all right. He was actually responding very well to everything.
"We were watching TV and talking about the plays, talking about the offense ran for 362 [yards against Kentucky]."
Backup quarterback John Brantley will practice with the first team until Tebow is able to return to practice. If Tebow cannot play against LSU, Brantley will make his first career start.
Meyer said the coaching staff has already started game-planning for the Tigers and that there wouldn't be significant differences if Brantley had to play.
"Maybe a few more handoff plays, maybe a couple more passes, but it won't be that much different," Meyer said.
Offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said he would not be surprised if Tebow did play against the Tigers.
"He's the toughest guy in college football, without a question and without a doubt in my mind," Addazio said. "I've been around this game a long time and a lot of places and I've never seen a guy like him. His mental and physical toughness is just superior.
"Certainly you know you always have your best shot with a guy like Tim Tebow. He is just tough as nails mentally and physically. We're lucky we've got him on our side."
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