Tigers QB Henigan a game-time decision versus SMU
Memphis' open week brought rest but not enough recovery as the Tigers host Southern Methodist on Saturday (11 a.m., ESPNU).
Quarterback Seth Henigan remains day-to-day with a right shoulder injury and will be a game-time decision according to coach Ryan Silverfield. Silverfield added Henigan hasn't been able to go through a full practice at 100%.
Henigan teased a possible return by posting a picture on Twitter of the Star Wars film "Return of the Jedi" last Wednesday. However, he did not say or share a date when he'd be back.
The Tigers (4-4, 1-3 AAC) could use some Jedi healing to get healthier. Junior defensive lineman John Cartwright remains a limited participant in practice after not playing against UCF. Junior running back Rodrigues Clark did not practice last week but progressed to do more work in Sunday's practice.
Henigan's status means sophomore Peter Parrish could get his second consecutive start. With more time to prepare instead of being thrust in emergency duty, Silverfield said Monday he and offensive coordinator Kevin Johns have been able to come up with a better strategy to use him if he ends up playing.
"I do think you're not feeling like you're drinking out of a fire hose," Silverfield said of Parrish, "I think maybe less anxiety for Peter as he feels more comfortable with the offense. As he continues to study the game plan, if he's the guy then he'll be ready to roll."
One of those plans could be limiting Parrish's running opportunities. Parrish had 22 carries against UCF compared to five for leading rusher Brandon Thomas. Most came on play breakdowns where Parrish ran due to making quick reads or facing pressure.
As a result, he was sacked six times. Sharing the load could not only help his decision making but keep him from injury as potentially the only healthy scholarship quarterback available.
"We don't want to overload him and change the dynamic of what he's good (at). He's good with zone reads, quarterback runs and made certain RPO thoughts," Silverfield said. "With Kevin, we'll figure out what puts him in the best situation for us to go out and win a football."
That plan changes if Henigan is cleared to play. His presence gives the Tigers more of a chance to match blows with SMU (7-1, 3-1) , ranked seventh in scoring and total offense.
Without him, the Tigers face a tougher task to avoid falling under .500 for the first time since 2013. If Parrish has to start, Silverfield believes he'll be ready for it.
"We always talk about that growth of a quarterback from game one to game two. As a true starter, you're going to see substantial growth and we got full faith in Peter," Silverfield said.