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Key said Josh Petty remains on the doctors' prescribed recovery timeline after surgery and will not be rushed back. He gave no return date. With the offensive line banged up, Tech will use the players able to execute this week; the remarks do not establish a settled starting five for Mercer.
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Key expects freshman linebacker Braylon Outlaw's snaps to increase this week and next, with a major role targeted around Games 5-6 rather than guaranteed immediately. Cayman Spaulding has played about half the snaps and produced; Key wants to get his explosiveness on the field more while distinguishing running speed from reading plays quickly.
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Trae Stevenson is expected to play more after blocking a punt against Tennessee. Key also said receivers Coi Jean-Noel and Darnell Collins, who were banged up in camp, are progressing. He intends to give developing young players game experience, but did not announce fixed snap counts or medical clearances.
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Key traced the offense's slow starts to execution and adjustments required within the play call, not just sideline play-calling. A package used midway through the second quarter and early in the second half helped settle the offense against Tennessee; creating urgency and cleaner opening execution remains an unresolved priority.
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Tech has only two sacks through two games. Key said the Tennessee edge-rush plan emphasized compressing the pocket to contain a mobile quarterback, while the interior pushed the pocket. He wants more threatening edge pressure and may need different packages and protection attacks when individual rushers cannot win one-on-one.