Florida coach Urban Meyer says Tebow improving, could return against LSU

Meyer: Tebow improving, could be ready for LSU

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Tim Tebow could be back in the huddle in time for Florida’s biggest game of the season.

Coach Urban Meyer said Monday that his star quarterback was feeling better and eating well two days after sustaining a concussion at Kentucky. Although Tebow still has “a little bit of a headache,” Meyer hopes he will be able to play when the top-ranked Gators (4-0) return to the field Oct. 10 at LSU.

“I think so, but I don’t know that,” Meyer said.

The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner was put through a battery of tests Monday and was scheduled for more Tuesday, Meyer said. Meyer said he did not know what grade concussion Tebow has.

“Tim’s doing good,” Meyer said. “All the tests are coming back positive and I’m going to leave it up to the medical staff to update you guys because I don’t want to give you information I don’t know. But he’s doing good. I talk to him all the time. Feeling better.”

Tebow spent Saturday night in a Lexington, Ky., hospital after his helmet struck teammate Marcus Gilbert’s leg as he was being sacked. Tebow was slammed to the ground and lay motionless as teammates and trainers rushed to him.

Tebow eventually sat up with help and slowly made his way off the field. He started vomiting on the sideline — a common symptom of concussions — and was carted off the field.

He spent the night at the University Medical Center in Lexington — with Meyer and his parents at his side. He was released Sunday morning, then flew back to Gainesville. Meyer said they passed the time watching football and talking about Saturday’s 41-7 victory over the Wildcats.

“You do that with any player, but Tim’s a special guy,” Meyer said. “His family’s there. I just wanted to make sure he was all right. He was actually responding very well to everything.”

Florida returned to practice Monday, but the session included mostly freshmen, so Tebow had the day off.

Meyer said Tebow had no neck or spine issues, and added that he remembers the hit that knocked him out of the game. But it remains unclear when he will be able to return to practice.

The Gators certainly won’t count him out to be ready for No. 4 LSU.

“He’s the toughest guy in college football, without a question and without a doubt in my mind,” offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said. “I’ve been around this game a long time and a lot of places and I’ve never seen a guy like him. Who he is as a person, his mental and physical toughness is just superior. Certainly you know you always have your best shot with a guy like Tim Tebow.

“He is just tough as nails mentally and physically. We’re lucky we’ve got him on our side.”