Meyer: Tebow not cleared to practice, play vs. LSU

[October 06, 2009]  GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is reading, watching television, attending class, studying film and doing just about everything else he was before his concussion.

Except practicing.

Florida coach Urban Meyer said Monday that his star player has not been cleared to return to the field or play against No. 4 LSU on Saturday night. But Meyer said the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner's is no longer dealing with post-concussion symptoms.

"From what I understand, there's no symptoms and I think he's cleared to act like Tim Tebow," Meyer said. "Everything but practice right now. I know he's allowed to watch TV. Earlier in the week he wasn't allowed to do anything focused. I guess that's normal protocol. And then after a week they acclimate."

Meyer said Tebow has been without headaches and other symptoms for several days. He said Tebow was given a balance and memory tests Friday, Sunday and Monday, and the results were "very positive."

Tebow was hospitalized overnight nine days ago after his helmet struck teammate Marcus Gilbert's leg during a sack in the game against Kentucky. Tebow didn't attend any of Florida's practices last week, and Meyer said he wasn't sure whether Tebow would return this week.

Meyer also said Tebow still could play if he got cleared late in the week.

"I can't answer that," Meyer said. "Can Tim play quarterback at Florida against a very good defense without practicing? I don't know that. It's going to be as we move on."

The Gators (4-0) planned to practice Monday afternoon with third-year sophomore John Brantley taking most of the repetitions at quarterback.

Brantley has completed 73 percent of his passes this season for 232 yards, with four touchdowns and no interceptions. But he's played only in mop-up duty, so he still hasn't taken a meaningful snap in three years at Florida.

Meyer said he would let everyone know when, and if, Tebow was cleared to practice, and insisted he wouldn't keep it a secret in hopes of deceiving the Tigers or making them prepare for both quarterbacks.

"I haven't even thought about it," Meyer said. "A lot of that I think is overrated. I think one's a great proven player and one's got a lot of ability. Do things change? Are we going to abandon (our offense) and all of a sudden be this I-formation, under-center, power, off-tackle team? No, we're not.

"We might have some of that in there. So is there an advantage? I don't know that. You'd have to ask them, but I think a lot of that's overrated."

Associated Press; By MARK LONG]

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