MEMPHIS - The injury bug that has bitten the Memphis defensive line this season hasn't limited itself to players.

During Tuesday's practice at the Murphy Athletic Complex, defensive line coach Craig Boller injured his right knee when a Tiger defender accidentally ran into him. Boller attended Wednesday's practice on crutches with his right knee heavily wrapped.

''It's a curse,'' said Tigers defensive end Marcus West, who is battling a knee injury of his own, but is expected to play Saturday against Tennessee. ''Now we've got a coach down.''

The Tigers lost defensive end Rubio Phillips to a knee injury in the opener against Ole Miss and have been without defensive tackle Van Houston since the preseason because of a knee infection. Noseguard Ryan Williams has been slowed by a shoulder injury and did not play against UAB Nov. 1.

Tigers coach Tommy West said he'd caution those who are interested in viewing a Memphis workout.

''We'll find out later what's wrong with (Boller),'' Coach West said. ''It hasn't been a good year. I don't know if I would come out and watch practice.''

Marcus West said he didn't expect Boller to miss any practices because he is ''tough, he coaches tough people ... but when he got hit he said a few words he normally doesn't say.''

Extra Points: Tommy West said that reserve linebacker Heath Grant, a sophomore from Starkville, Miss., has been suspended and will not play against Tennessee. ''He has been suspended due to classroom behavior,'' West said. Grant has made three starts - two since the Tigers went to a two-man front at midseason - and has 19 tackles. Michael Spurlock will move into Grant's spot. ... In its past 20 games, the Memphis offensive line has allowed only 10 sacks. Memphis allowed five in 12 games a year ago and have yielded five in eight games this season.