KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray has had a metal plate inserted into his right hand to aid in the healing process for his broken thumb.
Coach Derek Dooley says the procedure was performed Monday and will not affect an anticipated six-week recovery period for Bray, who broke the thumb when his hand hit a defender's helmet in the Volunteers' loss to Georgia on Oct. 8. The plate will prevent the bone from healing crookedly.
The sophomore, who completed 65.9 percent of his passes in five games for 14 touchdowns and two interceptions, could be available for Tennessee's final two games of the season against Vanderbilt and Kentucky.
Bray's replacement, senior Matt Simms, was 6 of 20 for 128 yards and two interceptions in the Vols' 38-7 loss to LSU on Saturday.
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