Vol DE Darrell Taylor suspended indefinitely after fight w/ teammate in practice

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Blake Toppmeyer‏Verified account @btoppmeyer

Report: Vols DE Darrell Taylor suspended indefinitely after altercation with teammate in practice

"There's been no timetable set on his return," Jones said Monday. "He'll have certain stipulations and requirements that must be met. There are multiple factors that have led to this decision."

GoVols247, citing sources, reported Monday morning that Taylor had an altercation with teammate Trey Smith at practice last week.

The loss of Taylor is another blow to a defense already missing linebackers Darrin Kirkland Jr. and Cortez McDowell and safety Todd Kelly Jr. due to season-ending injuries.

This is the second time this season questions have come up about a possible altercation in practice. Defensive tackle Shy Tuttle missed the Massachusetts game with an eye injury. Jones, when asked if Tuttle was injured during an altercation with a teammate, said that wasn't the case and that Tuttle "landed on a helmet."

Defensive line coach Brady Hoke told the Knoxville Quarterback Club on Monday that Tuttle's condition is improving but that he's still not 100 percent.

"He's not where he was before the injury, but he's getting closer," Hoke said.

Jones said the team chemistry is fine.

"The locker room is strong. The team is strong," Jones said.