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When will AJ Russell return for Tennessee baseball? Tony Vitello updates pitcher’s status

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When will AJ Russell return for Tennessee baseball? Tony Vitello updates pitcher’s status


AJ Russell threw a bullpen Tuesday as the Tennessee baseball pitcher works back from injuries that have sidelined for nearly two months.

Vols coach Tony Vitello said the bullpen went well and the next step is to see how Russell feels Wednesday.

“In an ideal world, it is time to start strategizing when would he throw in a game for us,” Vitello said after No. 1 Tennessee run-ruled Belmont 10-0 at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

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Russell has not pitched since March 23 against Ole Miss. He departed in the ninth inning with tightness in his forearm, the second time this season the sophomore pitcher departed with an injury issue. The sophomore has a 5.11 ERA in four appearances. He has 19 strikeouts in 12⅓ innings. He has allowed seven runs on 10 hits and eight walks.

Tennessee (43-10, 19-8 SEC) hosts South Carolina in the final regular-series starting Thursday (6:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network+).

When could AJ Russell return for Tennessee baseball?

The 6-foot-6 Russell has thrown off a mound a couple times recently. The next step is for Russell to throw to live hitters, if he feels good after the most recent bullpen session. That would be the final stamp of approval in Vitello’s eyes in order to get Russell back in the fold.

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“Our guys want him back,” Vitello said. “I’d like to see him out there. So it is kind of where does it all meet? We are kind of to that point now where it’s time to decide what is the best way for him to get back out there.”

Russell left his second start of the season with side soreness, missed multiple weeks and returned for two outings before forearm tightness put him on the self again.

Vitello said Russell has had to stop, at times, in his work to return and had to “even kind of backpedal.” Tennessee’s staff has pitched well enough to allow Russell to take his time, Vitello noted.

“The one thing I can tell you with 100% conviction, everyone has to heart his future,” Vitello said. “The microscope of it or the shorter term of it is next year, where he will be the leader of a staff and be a huge part of it on the mound. Also we all know what he has shown, he can play for a long time.”

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What is AJ Russell’s injury for Tennessee baseball?

Russell left his second start of the season against Albany on Feb. 23 with side soreness. He did not return until March 17 against Alabama, then was injured against a week later against Ole Miss.

Russell took over Tennessee’s Friday night starter spot as a sophomore. He struck out 10 in 4⅓ innings on Feb. 16 against Texas Tech, including getting the first eight outs of the game via strikeout. He allowed two runs on three hits and a walk.

OPS: The wild dash to get Billy Amick his No. 11 jersey for Tennessee baseball vs Vanderbilt

The Franklin, Tennessee, native struck out four in three innings against Albany before leaving the game. He allowed three hits and walked one.

Russell started against Alabama in his return, striking out two and allowing one run on two hits in two innings. He struggled against Ole Miss in his last outing before departing with arm issues. He walked six, allowed two hits and surrendered four runs. He struck out three in three innings.

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Russell was 2-0 with a 0.89 ERA in 30⅓ innings with 47 strikeouts as a freshman. He made 24 appearances with one start.

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.





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Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars Prediction: Odds, Best Bets, Player News, Injuries, & Stats for Week 17

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Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars Prediction: Odds, Best Bets, Player News, Injuries, & Stats for Week 17


Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars Preview:

The 3-12 Tennessee Titans are on a four-game losing streak, but they hope to snap it and avenge their early December loss when they head to Jacksonville to take on the 3-12 Jaguars.

Neither team has met expectations this season. Both have had their share of quarterback inconsistencies and injuries. In the first meeting between the two, only 16 points were scored. The Jaguars won that game, 10-6.

Since Doug Pederson took over as head coach, the Jaguars have beaten the Titans four of the last five times they have played. A win this weekend would make it the Jaguars’ second sweep in the last three seasons.

Despite both teams’ horrid seasons, they should see a little optimism as the season ends. They are both in contention for a top-five draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

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Listen to the Bet the Edge podcast as hosts Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick provide listeners with sharp actionable insight, market analysis and statistical data to help bettors gain more information before placing their wagers. So, whether you’re targeting spreads and totals, looking for value in futures markets or circling player props, give their podcast a listen to give you that extra edge.

How to Watch Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars Live on Sunday:

  • Date: Sunday, December 29th, 2024
  • Time: 1:00 PM ET
  • Site: TIAA Bank Field
  • City: Jacksonville, FL
  • TV/Streaming: CBS

Latest Game Odds for Titans at Jaguars – Week 17:

The latest odds as of Thursday morning courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Tennessee Titans (-110), Jacksonville Jaguars (-110)
  • Spread: Titans -1
  • Total: 39.5

NBC Sports Bet Best Bets:

NBC Sports analyst Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) recommends betting on Calvin Ridley over 60.5 receiving yards…

Thomas: “The Titans haven’t been the best team through the air. Will Levis has struggled with consistency; he’s thrown 12 interceptions and just 12 touchdowns. However, the Jaguars love giving up big chunk plays to the wide receivers. Only two teams give up more receiving yards to wide receivers: the Vikings and the Lions.

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When the two played earlier in the season, Calvin Ridley was targeted 12 times. He was able to haul in seven of those targets but fell short of the 60.5 mark. I think this week is different. He probably sees a few more deep shots with nothing to lose, which he should capitalize on.”

Titans at Jaguars Team Stats, Betting Trends:

  • The Titans have failed to cover in 6 of their 8 road games this season
  • The Jaguars have lost 9 of 12 games this season following a defeat
  • 5 of the Titans’ last 7 games (71%) have gone over the Total

Quarterback Matchup for Titans at Jaguars:

  • Titans: Will Levis – The Will Levis Experiment has not gone as planned for the Titans. He’s yet to make the big leap. This season, his 12 interceptions are more concerning than his lack of big numbers. Ball security should be a point of emphasis in the offseason as he grows to be a better quarterback.
  • Jaguars: Mac Jones – Jones has been under center with Trevor Lawrence on the IR. The only win he’s had under center this season was against the Titans in Week 14.

Player News & Injuries:

Titans:

  • K Nick Folk (abdomen) is questionable
  • RB Tony Pollard (ankle) is questionable
  • WR Tyler Boyd (foot) is questionable
  • LB Kenneth Murray Jr is on the IR

Jaguars:

  • TE Brenton Strange (shoulder) is questionable
  • DT DaVon Hamilton (illness) is questionable
  • G Brandon Scherff (knee) is questionable
  • G Ezra Cleveland (knee) is questionable
  • OT Walker Little (ankle) is OUT

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest and tools for the NFL, including game predictions, player props, futures, and trends!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:





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Tennessee Quarterback Enters The Transfer Portal Ahead Of Final Collegiate Season | Rocky Top Insider

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Tennessee Quarterback Enters The Transfer Portal Ahead Of Final Collegiate Season | Rocky Top Insider


Gaston Moore (13) looks to pass during a game against Kent State at Neyland Stadium. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2024. Photo by Cole Moore/Rocky Top Insider

Tennessee quarterback Gaston Moore is entering the transfer portal ahead of his final season of eligibility, 247sports Matt Zenitz first reported on Thursday morning.

Moore spent four seasons at Tennessee after originally going to Central Florida out of high school. The Hilton Head, South Carolina native followed Heupel from UCF to Tennessee and worked his way up the depth chart before serving as the backup quarterback in 2024.

The 6-foot-2, 212-pound signal caller completed 16-of-27 passes for 201 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions off the bench in 2024.

Moore played a handful of meaningful snaps for Tennessee during the 2024 season. He came in for one play in the first half against Alabama, throwing an interception on a third down deep ball. After Nico Iamaleava went into concussion protocol against Mississippi State, Moore came in at halftime and completed five-of-eight passes for 38 yards while also picking up a handful of pass interference calls.

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More From RTI: Tennessee Football’s Complete Season PFF Grades

Moore also played garbage time snaps in Tennessee’s lopsided wins over Chattanooga, Kent State and UTEP. The walk-on quarterback played sparingly in his first three seasons at Tennessee but didn’t attempt more than 10 passes in any of those seasons.

Despite having already spent five seasons in college Moore still has one more year of eligibility remaining. The signal caller spent the 2020 season at UCF which didn’t count against his eligibility due to COVID-19 eligibility relief. Moore then redshirted the 2021 season at Tennessee meaning only three seasons counted against his eligibility.

Without Moore, redshirt freshman quarterback Jake Merklinger and incoming freshman George MacIntyre will compete for Tennessee’s backup quarterback spot behind Nico Iamaleava.



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Christmas travel rush kicks off in West Tennessee – WBBJ TV

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Christmas travel rush kicks off in West Tennessee – WBBJ TV


JACKSON, Tenn. — It’s Christmas, the time of the year when travel gets busier as people move to and from their holiday destinations.

Christmas is underway and the holiday travel is in full affect across the region.

Here in West Tennessee, many are traveling for the holidays. A report from the Automobile Association predicted that more than 119 million Americans have at least 50 miles to travel for end of the year holidays. One traveler tells what their Christmas experience means to them.

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“For me it was getting to be with family. I have sisters and stuff that I went to visit. One of them invited us up for dinner so, even though it’s a two-and-a-half hour drive, it’s always good to see family,” said Andrew Knox, traveler.

Knox says the Christmas menu did not disappoint this year.

“We had greens, macaroni and cheese, stuffed shells, dressing, ham, chicken wings — BBQ and plain, it was off the chain,” said Knox.

We asked about their end of the year reflections and what they expect for the new year.

“Grateful to have my wife with me of 17 years, my best friend and stuff, so I’m grateful that everybody is doing well. The family is doing well and that’s the main thing. Just so much to be thankful for and I just want everybody to be kind to each other. That’s all I would hope for the new year coming,” said Knox.

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More than half of holiday travelers will return home on the same night. Airlines expect their busiest days to be on friday and Sunday, December 27 and December 29.

“We drove up this morning and we’re on our way back home now,” said Knox.

If your looking for last minute holiday attractions, see our 2024 Guide to the Holidays in West Tennessee.

For more news in the Jackson area, click here.





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