A common Vols fan frustration could be coming to an end this college football season

A frustration that some Tennessee Vols fans have shared over the last few seasons might soon be coming to an end.

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel has developed a reputation over the last few years for being less-than-forthcoming when it comes to injuries.

Last fall, Heupel strongly suggested that center Cooper Mays would play against Florida after missing the first two games of the season.

"He'll be going with us (to Gainesville)," said Heupel two days before Tennessee's game against Florida. "He's been really good all week long. Anticipate him being ready to play."

Mays didn't play a snap against the Gators.

There have also been other instances of Heupel being a bit coy when it comes to injury updates. After linebacker Keenan Pili was injured in the Vols' season-opener against Virginia last season, Heupel told reporters that the expectation was that the BYU transfer would only miss a "couple of weeks".

Pili ended up missing the rest of the season.

Heupel's injury updates are what they are. He's trying to gain every competitive advantage that he can. And that's fine. I get it.

But those days may be quickly coming to an end.

According CBS Sports, injury reports could be coming to the SEC as soon as this season.

A decision on the SEC adopting injury reports could come next week.

From CBS Sports : The SEC is moving toward a mandatory injury report for this coming football season, sources told CBS Sports. The topic was discussed at the conference's annual spring meetings in May with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey telling reporters that while it would be discussed, a final decision would not be made that week.

A mandatory injury report hasn't been officially approved, but multiple sources indicated the details are close to being finalized and are expected to be in place at the start of the 2024 season. A decision could come as early as next week when league athletic directors are scheduled to meet.

One reason for injury reports is the increased popularity and legality of sports gambling. Another reason is so players don't get hounded by reporters about their injury status.

I'm sure Heupel will still be as vague as possible if injury reports in the SEC become a thing next week. But he'll have to give away at least a few injury details that he'd prefer to keep quiet.

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