Tennessee starting center Jason Respert was hospitalized Wednesday with an infection in his hand but is expected to play Saturday against Vanderbilt.

"The team physician decided to admit him to the hospital (for an over-night stay)," Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer said. "It's just a precautionary thing. The doctors anticipate him playing (Saturday versus Vanderbilt).

Fulmer said the infection could have been caused by a cut or bruise.

"We anticipate him being back and ready to go," Fulmer said. "That's why we did the hospital thing; to go ahead and get on top of it. We always try to take the safe route whenever we can."

Respert isn't the only ailing center. Senior back-up Chuck Prugh is still trying to overcome an ankle injury he suffered against Notre Dame on Nov. 6. Prugh started the game for Respert, who had a sprained ankle.

With Prugh and Respert battling injuries, the Vols can still count on Richie Gandy at center. Gandy said he played center for the entire practice Wednesday after focusing on right guard earlier in the week.

Gandy said Prugh, despite some bad shotgun snaps, graded higher than any of the other offensive linemen against Notre Dame.

During Wednesday's practice, UT's first-team offensive line consisted of Gandy at center, Arron Sears at right guard, Albert Toeaina at right tackle, Michael Munoz at left tackle, and Rob Smith at left guard. Smith is the only offensive lineman to start every game this season.

UT started the same offensive line in the first four games of the season. Since then, the Vols have started four different offensive line combinations in five games. If Wednesday's first-team unit starts against Vanderbilt, it will be the sixth offensive line combination in 10 games.