Could be ready for opener Pope (back) may be healthy enough to play in the team's preseason opener against South Carolina on Sept. 26, Patrick Brown of 247Sports.com reports. Impact Despite undergoing back surgery July 16, Pope has a realistic chance to be healthy enough to play in just about a month as the Vols prepare for their preseason opener against the Gamecocks on Sept. 26. Pope has reportedly been making great progress since the procedure and has been on the field in a limited fashion for all three of the team practices this past week. At 6'4," Pope has primarily been used as a blocking tight end but has some upside as a pass-catcher with that size and could see more throws his way in 2020.
AUGUST 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE