Houston For Arkansas Game Following Thumb Surgery

October 01, 2002 | Football

Sept. 30, 2002

KNOXVILLE -- Surgery performed Monday on sophomore tailback Cedric Houston means the Arkansas native will not dress for this weekend's SEC showdown against the Razorbacks.

Houston, who hails from Clarendon, Ark., suffered a torn ligament in his left thumb during Saturday's 35-14 victory over Rutgers. The 6-0, 210-pounder already was hampered by a deep thigh bruise sustained against Florida and has carried the ball only five times the last two games for 13 yards. He began the 2002 season by rushing for 106 yards and two scores against Wyoming, followed by 74 yards and another touchdown against Middle Tennessee.

Houston is the Vols' leading rusher this season with 193 yards and has scored three touchdowns. His 46-yard TD run against Wyoming in UT 47-7 win ove the Cowboys is the Vols' longest rush of the season.

UT football trainer Keith Clements reports Houston could be upgraded to questionable as early as next Monday and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.