During off-week preparations for Saturday's game at Vanderbilt, Tennessee safety Eric Berry took snaps with the offense at quarterback in UT's G-Gun package.

The formation's namesake, receiver Gerald Jones, said the Vols have veered away from the package because of the high-ankle sprain he suffered in a win over Mississippi State on Oct. 18.

"They've been doing a lot with Eric at quarterback, so if I can't stay healthy, then he'll be doing it," Jones said Sunday night. "That's probably the reason why we haven't seen it is because I've been injured."

Used as a change of pace early in the season, the Vols haven't lined up in the G-Gun in more than a month.

Berry, who has worked at quarterback dating to spring practice, has yet to line up there in a game. His only offensive snap of the season came in a loss to Alabama, when he caught a screen pass for 3 yards.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer said the Vols spent time working with Berry on offense during last week's open date.

"We've got some plays that Eric has and we did work on those some," Fulmer said.

Exactly what to expect against the Commodores in Saturday's 12:30 p.m. kickoff (TV: WVLT) is under wraps.

"I don't why I'd say that and give Vanderbilt any edge, would you?" Fulmer said.

Off-Week Escape: Both Jones and quarterback Jonathan Crompton used Tennessee's open date to take a break from football.

Crompton spent the weekend at home with his family, while Jones said the hiatus allowed him to receive extra treatment on his injured ankle.

"Getting away from it was a big deal to me," Jones said. "I got a lot of treatment, so hopefully I'm 100 percent for now."

Crompton, who will start this week, said he didn't watch Vanderbilt's victory over Kentucky on Saturday night, but he's spent time before and after watching the Commodores.

"I went home and hung out with my family," he said. "I have watched film on Vandy all last week and actually (Sunday night), but this weekend I just wanted to relax with my family because I never get to see them."

Williams '80-85 Percent': Defensive tackle Dan Williams said his injured ankle is about 80-85 percent.

"The week off last week really did help a lot," Williams said. "It feels better every day. There's a little swelling every now and then, but for the most part it's fine."

That's a different feeling than when he injured the ankle against Alabama.

"When it first happened, woo, I thought it was something worse," said Williams, who injured the ankle when an Alabama lineman blocked him below the waist. "After a while, after my adrenaline kind of slowed down, I knew it wasn't going to be that bad. I started walking a little bit and it hurt a little bit, but I just could push off it at the time. Once I got the tape off, it swelled up real bad."

X-rays were negative, but Williams said he hasn't been himself in the two games since he was injured.

"I should have made a couple plays when usually I would have," he said. "It just hurts. You can't do anything about it, and it gets frustrating. Coaches just say, 'Give me all of what you got.' That's what I've been trying to do the last couple weeks."

Crompton's Ankle OK: One advantage of playing sparingly the last six weeks is Crompton's injured ankle has had plenty of time to heal.

"What are we, 10 games in, going on our 11th? It's really 14 because of camp," Crompton said. "That's just part of it. You've got to play through some injuries. I think it's pretty much healed."

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.