There was a time when the Tennessee coaching staff couldn't get Jason Allen and Antwan Stewart off the field.

Now, it seems, the former cornerbacks turned safeties can't get on the field together.

Allen, one of 12 semifinalists for the Thorpe Award recognizing college football's top defensive back, had his left foot in a walking boot and didn't practice Tuesday.

"It's nothing serious,'' said Allen, who suffered a sprained ankle in the first half of the Vols' 17-13 loss to Notre Dame.

Coaches offered to take Allen out, but he refused treatment and insisted on staying in the game. Allen will be held out throughout the week.

"He needs some rest,'' UT defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "He's played as much football as anybody I've been around in a long time.''

Stewart, on the other hand, has hardly played any football since suffering a torn ACL in his left knee during an April 3 spring practice.

He returned to full-speed team drills Tuesday for the first time after getting limited work last week.

"Antwan has a ways to go,'' UT secondary coach Larry Slade said. "But it was good to see him out there. We'll need to see how some of the other guys come along, too.''

Starting cornerback Roshaun Fellows suffered an ankle injury against Notre Dame and will get some rest this week. Like Allen, Fellows played through the injury. Slade said Jonathan Wade continues to be sidelined by his foot injury and he's not sure when Wade will return.

Stewart is taking it day by day.

"I was a little rusty today,'' said Stewart, who dropped an interception. "I need to get better out there. I believe I need more contact work, too.''

Stewart is eager to test out his bigger, stronger frame. He spent a great deal of time in the weight room building his upper body while also rehabilitating his knee.

"I gained 15 pounds, up to 197,'' said Stewart, who is auditioning for the revolving-door position on defense, strong safety. "I'll play wherever the coaches put me.''

Stewart, who last year competed with Allen for the starting cornerback job opposite of Jabari Greer, said he hopes to be ready to play against Vanderbilt on Nov. 20.

Stewart said missing nine games this season has been tough, but missing the Auburn game was the toughest.

"That's a game I had looked forward to,'' Stewart said. "Last year, I let some stuff get ahead of me. It does (a potential rematch with Auburn) motivate me.''

Slade said having the strong safety position settled would do much for the defense.

"(Robert) Boulware was consistent,'' Slade said. "All the practice paid off; he made just one critical error in the game.

"Finding that safety has been a distraction for us.''

Stewart, Corey Campbell, Jarod Parrish and a healthy Jonathan Wade will compete for the position over the next couple of weeks.