The slightly concerning news for Vanderbilt football fans this weekend is that they may not see much — if any — of preseason All-America tight end Eli Stowers in the season opener.

The good news, however, is that when he does take the field, Stowers may display an added element to his game.

A potential first-round draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Stowers has been dealing with an undisclosed injury that limited his participation in the preseason and sidelined him for Vanderbilt’s two scrimmages.

The Denton, Texas, native said earlier this week he was feeling good and planned to play against Charleston Southern in Saturday’s 6 p.m. contest at sold out FirstBank Stadium (ESPN+, SEC Network+).

But Vandy coach Clark Lea sounded a bit more cautious, saying Stowers was questionable for the c

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