Tebow is free of symptoms but not yet cleared

There are mixed reviews on the health of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, who is recovering from a concussion suffered in the win over Kentucky on Sept. 26.

The Gator quarterback is free of symptoms but has not yet been cleared to practice.

“Tim looks a lot better,” Florida coach Urban Meyer said at his weekly news conference Monday. ”I think he’s symptom-free. His headache has been gone for several days now. He won’t practice today. He has not been cleared by the doctors.

“He continues to work with our doctors and training staff. Other than that, I don’t know. It’s day-to-day. ...

"Can Tim play quarterback for Florida against a very good defense without practicing? I'm not sure about that. We'll see."

The top-ranked Gators play at No. 4 LSU on Saturday at 8 p.m. There is no timetable for

Meyer acknowledges he has been inundated with requests for information on Tebow.

"I talk to him all the time because he's bored to death," Meyer said. "But that's all by him now. He's done everything the doctors have told him to do."

Meyer said the Gators continue to prepare backup quarterback John Brantley.

"Johnny is not gonna go in there (Baton Rouge, La.) by himself," Meyer said. "He'll have 10 guys, the (Maurkice and Mike Pouncey) will be arm in arm with him. He's had a good week of practice, throws it well. ...

"Our quarterbacks make the play calls at the line. So we'll practice crowd noise every day this week in anticipation of the game. A year ago, (Brantley) wasn't ready for all that. Johnny's very well prepared to take that next step."

Meyer also said that punter Chas Henry has taken some snaps at quarterback. True freshman Jordan Reed, who was sick for several days last week, might take some snaps this week, as well as "one or two other guys" who might take direct snaps in practice.

Other injury updates included cornerback Moses Jenkin, who also suffered a concussion in the Kentucky game. Meyer said Jenkins has not progressed as well as Tebow has: "I'm concerned about that. He's a critical guy now. Everybody is just brushing that off, but the return team we are facing is top-notch."

Deonte Thompson (hamstring) has been full speed in practice. Meyer said he "had an excellent weekend, did everything he's supposed to do" and is "ready to go."

Stay with Gatorsports.com for further updates.