Halo

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."

Linkback: NewOrleans.com

papz

You better believe Tebow is going to strap it up and not miss this game. As lost as we are offensively (absolutely no identity), I think it's going to be a close game. I said this after the game last weekend and I know it's retarded but... we're so overrated and bad that we have a very good shot at winning. Vegas wouldn't have it any other way... not saying that it's set up or anything. It just happens all the time.

Halo

I honestly agree with you. I don't know how a "please don't throw an INT" offense and a "bend but don't break" defense wins championships.

They can beat Florida, but if they did they would get their butts handed to them by Alabama and Auburn. Or they could get crushed by Florida... who knows????

Saint_LB

As long as they keep that rabbit's foot in the left pocket and the 4-leaf clover in the right...they should be alright, however, never...under any circumstance...can it be the other way around.

boonedocksaint

yeah, i'm gonna go w/ the second part you said there. florida will crush lsu, just like last year!

foreverfan

Said on the radio today that he has not been cleared to play.

Crusader

If he does get cleared to play I hope somebody lays him th f*** out.

Donuts32

I dont see LSU beating Florida. Even without Tebow LSU still dont have a chance.

B_Dub_Saint

Tebow will play. We will crush him again

DeadmaN

I hope so
this is going to be another rabbit in the hat trick