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Cole Spence injury update for Vanderbilt football vs Austin Peay opener
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- Cole Spence injury update for Vanderbilt football vs Austin Peay opener
Vanderbilt football starting tight end Cole Spence was not in uniform during warmups for the season opener against Austin Peay .
He previously had been listed as questionable for the game by coach Clark Lea due to an undisclosed injury.
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Spence had a brace on his right leg and appeared to be limping on the field.
Vanderbilt wide receiver Brycen Coleman (9) hauls in a pass during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Cole Spence (16) makes a catch while covered by safety Jailen Ruth (14) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, August. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) makes a catch in front of safety Carson Lawrence (3) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Coach Clark Lea observes practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jack Elliott (11) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Offensive Coordinator Tim Beck and quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt safety Jalen Gilbert (9) breaks up a pass to tight end Maurice Veney (19) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Bob Shoop, senior defensive analyst, attends practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Whit Muschamp (10) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Evan Hampton (23) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) hauls in a pass against safety Carson Lawrence (3) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) goes up for a catch against safety Ricardo Jones (7) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Drew Cowart (14) hands off to running back Evan Hampton (23) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Whit Muschamp (10) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) hands off to running back Makhilyn Young (22) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Cole Spence (16) makes a catch while covered by safety Jailen Ruth (14) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, August. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) and wide receiver Tristen Brown (5) go through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Evan Hampton (23) finishes up a run during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt linebacker Bryce Cowan (22) goes through stretches during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) hauls in a pass against safety Carson Lawrence (3) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt wide receiver Brycen Coleman (9) hauls in a pass during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt wide receiver Brycen Coleman (9) hauls in a pass during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt tight end Cole Spence (16) makes a catch while covered by safety Jailen Ruth (14) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, August. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) makes a catch in front of safety Carson Lawrence (3) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt Coach Clark Lea observes practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Jack Elliott (11) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt Offensive Coordinator Tim Beck and quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt safety Jalen Gilbert (9) breaks up a pass to tight end Maurice Veney (19) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt Bob Shoop, senior defensive analyst, attends practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Whit Muschamp (10) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Evan Hampton (23) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) hauls in a pass against safety Carson Lawrence (3) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) goes up for a catch against safety Ricardo Jones (7) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Drew Cowart (14) hands off to running back Evan Hampton (23) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Whit Muschamp (10) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) hands off to running back Makhilyn Young (22) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt tight end Cole Spence (16) makes a catch while covered by safety Jailen Ruth (14) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, August. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) and wide receiver Tristen Brown (5) go through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Evan Hampton (23) finishes up a run during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt linebacker Bryce Cowan (22) goes through stretches during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) hauls in a pass against safety Carson Lawrence (3) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
The matchup against the Governors (1-0) is slated to begin at 6 p.m. CT at FirstBank Stadium (SEC Network+).
In 2025, Spence appeared in all 13 games for the Commodores and made 15 catches for 233 yards and two touchdowns. He was slated to take on a bigger role in 2026 after the departure of Eli Stowers to the NFL.
Lea said Sept. 3 that Spence was not expected to miss significant time but that the team did not want Spence to push it.
On Vanderbilt's depth chart, Gabe Fisher and Maurice Veney are listed as the co-backups to Spence.
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Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson .
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Cole Spence injury update for Vanderbilt football vs Austin Peay opener
