Rick Barnes didn’t have a firm timetable for the return of Tennessee freshman guard Bishop Boswell , who didn’t play in the 82-64 win over Middle Tennessee State on Monday due to a right shoulder injury.
The best-case scenario, according to the head coach, is after the Christmas break.
“He’s been working really hard with his rehab,” Barnes said during his postgame press conference Monday night , “and we’re hoping maybe (when he) comes back from Christmas.”
The No. 1-ranked Vols (12-0) host Norfolk State (8-6) on Tuesday (3 p.m. Eastern Time, SEC Network+) at Food City Center, then open SEC play at home against Arkansas on January 4.
Tennessee down to nine scholarship players with Bishop Boswell out
Boswell injured his right shoulder midway through the second half of the 84-36 win over Western Carolina last week. He was seen after the game in a shoulder sling, but was not wearing the sling Monday night when he watched the MTSU game from the bench.
“I know he’ll do everything he needs to do while he’s there to rehab it and do that,” Barnes said. “He said he’s feeling better, but like I said, we’re playing the long game with him.