KNOXVILLE, Tenn. With one Tennessee player announced out for the 2017 season, another one is making progress toward a return.

Coach Butch Jones announced right tackle Chance Hall would miss the season with a knee injury. However, defensive tackle Shy Tuttle took to the practice field Friday in full pads.

Shy is continuing to progress, Jones said. Hes working individual drills. He has not done any team activities, yet. He continues to progress and we are very encouraged so far.

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Although Tuttle may not be ready for the season opener against Georgia Tech on Sept. 4 in Atlanta, Jones said Tuttle has made strides in the right direction.

Hes maybe a little bit ahead of schedule, Jones said. Again, hes doing the individual drills. Hes doing some movement. You can see him getting better and better each day with his movements. Thats been the encouraging thing.

A tear in Tuttles right knee kept him from playing in the final five games of the 2016 season. Tuttle played in six games in the 2015 season before suffering a broken left fibula.

The injuries have not kept Tuttles spirits down according to Jones.

Its really encouraging when you get him out here in full pads today, and hes doing individual drills with teammates, Jones said. Its extremely encouraging. Hes worked very hard. So, you can see the excitement as well in his demeanor.

Tuttle can be a disruptive force on the defensive line when healthy. The junior has 19 tackles, 1 for a loss and two fumble recoveries in his career.

Fellow defensive linemen have taken notice of Tuttles progress in his rehab from injury.

Shy is doing great, Kendal Vickers said. He looks like hes getting back in shape, in football shape. Hes been looking like he can move on his knee and stuff like that. Im looking forward to getting him out there.

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Tennessee football: DT Shy Tuttle 'continuing to progress' from injury - SECcountry.com