Vols insider drops concerning update on Boo Carter and his practice habits since returning to Tennessee's football team

The Tennessee Vols are still taking things "day by day" with sophomore defensive back Boo Carter, as he works his way back into the good graces of his teammates and the UT coaching staff.

Carter's spot on the team was in doubt entering fall camp due to missing some team activities and workouts this summer. However, the Chattanooga native is participating in practice with Tennessee, though he’s not yet fully involved in team drills.

Most of the news surrounding Carter’s return during the last couple of weeks has been positive.

On Tuesday, however, longtime Vols insider Tony Basilio offered a not-so-positive update.

According to Basilio, Carter has been late to at least one practice recently.

"I got a tip today," Basilio said. "And the tip is that Carter, since he got back, came late to a practice. And then I started asking around, and I think it was two practices. But one at least, but maybe two."

"There's speculation, internally, are they suspending him for the Syracuse game? I don't know," added Basilio.

Carter reportedly participated in practice on Tuesday, so if he was late to a recent practice, it doesn't seem that it has reset his punishment.

“When we started training camp and I talked to you guys, there were steps that he had to take to continue to earn his place in the scope of what we’re doing as a football team," said Vols head coach Josh Heupel this past weekend when asked about Carter. "He has taken those steps. He’s continued to grow. I like what he’s been able to do here, in particular the last four days. What’s going to transpire, it’s a day to day. We’re taking it day to day at this point, I guess is the best way to say it."

Carter is an elite talent. If he's fully bought in, then Tennessee is undoubtedly a better team when he's on the field. But will he be fully bought in this fall? That's the question that everyone, including Tennessee's coaches and leadership council, is hoping to answer over the next couple of weeks.