Tennessee cornerback Roshaun Fellows isn't thrilled about watching practice, and he sure doesn't like the idea of missing a game.

But like a week ago, Fellows will probably be watching practice this week due to a foot sprain, and he might not play Saturday against Kentucky unless pushed into service.

That's what happened at Vanderbilt last Saturday after Jay Cutler's 80-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Smith cut Tennessee's lead to 28-14 with 11 minutes left in the half.

Fellows quickly got the idea his number would be called.

"I was kind of getting that vibe after the big play," Fellows said Tuesday. "But I mean, me and Chief (defensive coordinator John Chavis) talked on the sidelines and he asked me if I could go, and I told him I would try my best."

Fellows replaced Jonathan Wade, whose blown coverage led to Smith's touchdown.

Fellows didn't exactly rescue the defense -- the Vols held on for a 38-33 victory -- but it was his interception with 2:07 left in the game that squelched the Commodores last hopes for an upset.

"For him to do what he did, knowing he could make (the foot) worse, it was great," Vols linebacker Omar Gaither said. "I'm glad that he got out there and stepped up and did what he needed to do."

Fellows, who finished with four tackles, will be ready to do it again Saturday.

"Same scenario as Vanderbilt," Fellows said.

Fellows started the previous six games at left cornerback before Vanderbilt. Wade, who started against Florida and Louisiana Tech early in the season, started against the Commodores.

Fellows said he injured his foot during an indoor practice the Wednesday before the Nov. 6 Notre Dame game.

Taking this week off -- including Saturday's game -- might be best for the injury, but Fellows isn't sure he wants to hear that.

"That would be the best-case scenario, but I mean, the doctor's going to tell you it's going to take six weeks to heal, but you don't have six weeks, and I'm an athlete," he said.

So what's the alternative?

"You have to suck it up," he said. "I'm an athlete. You've got to go out there and do what you've got to do."

Fellows is seventh on the team in tackles and has team-highs in interceptions (three) and passes defended (13).

Listed as questionable for Kentucky, Fellows will probably be ready if duty calls -- just like a week ago.

"I was kind of worried about going out there Saturday," he said, "but then again, once I got out there, I was like, if my team needs me and Chief and coach (Larry) Slade are counting on me, and coach (Phillip) Fulmer. I had to go out there and do what I had to do."