Tigers’ Taylor a ‘real option’ to return vs. Tulsa
Over the past month, Memphis coach Mike Norvell has grown more optimistic each week regarding the health of senior running back Patrick Taylor.
On Monday, Norvell gave the best prognosis for Taylor to date, saying Taylor has a "real option" to return Saturday (6 p.m., CBS SN) when the No. 25 Tigers (6-1, 2-1 AAC) face Tulsa (2-5, 0-3).
"Seeing him (on Sunday), he was out on the practice field working some individual drills.”
“I thought he looked really good in his movements," Norvell said.
"But at the end of the day, it's all going to be based off his comfort level."
Taylor has missed six consecutive games with a foot injury that he suffered in the fourth quarter against Ole Miss.
He was in a walking boot for the next two games but has not worn one on the sidelines since the Tigers' Sept. 26 win over Navy.
Taylor has been working on his conditioning with the Memphis training staff and was observed at practice last week doing individual drills during open period.
Norvell said that when Taylor returns, he'll be on a similar plan as defensive back Chris Claybrooks, who played 30-50 snaps in the past two games after missing the first five games because of an undisclosed injury.
It all depends on Taylor's progress this week in practice.
"If we get Patrick Taylor back to be able to impact this team, even if it's at somewhat of a limited role as he's getting back into full game-conditioning level, that's going to be huge for this offense and this football team," Norvell said.
Tigers' Blake out for Tulsa game
Safety Sanchez Blake, the Tigers' leading tackler, is out indefinitely after suffering an injury in the first quarter against Tulane on Saturday.
Norvell did not disclose what type of injury Blake suffered, but the sophomore initially grabbed his left arm as he laid on the field after making a tackle.
Blake started all seven games for the Tigers this season. Tyrez Lindsey, who started all 14 games at strong safety last year, and Carlito Gonzalez will share time in Blake's absence for Saturday's game.
Quindell Johnson, who recorded his second career interception against Tulane, also could see more playing time.
"(Blake has) been exceptional this year and even in the 15 snaps (against Tulane), he was playing at an elite level," Norvell said. "It's just a shame to see somebody go down."
Claybrooks also left last week's game in the fourth quarter with an injury, but Norvell said he'll be fine and able to play Saturday. It was not disclosed whether this injury was related to his previous one.
You can reach Tigers football beat writer Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_b) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com