Tim Tebow Returns to Practice

Its a simple headline but the implications are immense. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow returned to practice -- albeit in a limited manner -- Tuesday. This more than a week after a concussion against Kentucky left him a physical, hospitalized mess on national television. Florida has yet to publicly name Tebow's backup John Brantley the starter ahead of this week's game against LSU.

Its probably head games, but even if Tebow is 'cleared' Florida would have to be insane to play him. Head injuries are no joke and Tebow has well earned that baby rhinocerus nickname. Mix in his all-out style with LSU's terrific hitting and its an easy call: sit him. LSU is prepared for either quarterback and delaying only makes Meyer look desperate while potentially undermining Brantley before his first career start.

Similar delay arguably affected how USC quarterback Aaron Corp performed while the program stalled hoping freshman Matt Barkley's shoulder would improve in time for the eventual defeat against Washington. It didn't improve, Barkley never took a throw until Friday walk throughs when all game prep had already been handled, and Corp bombed when USC waited until the start of the game to acknowledge him the starter.

Brantley is no Tebow, but he's had plenty of live game reps and several years in the system. There's simply no preparation for going into Death Valley at night, but being a Florida quarterback means knowing that is on the horizon at some point in one's career, which is about as much prep as anyone can have. If his nerves are right, Brantley will be fine.