Just as Jonathan Wade is emerging to solidify one cornerback position, Tennessee has a gaping hole to fill at the other one.

It appears Jason Allen, Tennessee's senior All-SEC defensive back, has played his final snap for the Vols after suffering an injury to his left hip in the 27-14 loss to Georgia on Saturday.

"He's going to be out some time, probably the rest of the year,'' head coach Phillip Fulmer said Sunday night.

"I don't know that, but that's what I'm assuming from what the doctors told me today.''

A source told the News Sentinel that Allen suffered a dislocated hip and will be on crutches up to six weeks, but that surgery will not be required. Fulmer said privacy laws prevent him from confirming any diagnosis.

Now the Vols must turn to either Inky Johnson or Roshaun Fellows when they resume play at Alabama on Oct. 22.

Allen was hurt when he was plowed over by Georgia's 250-pound tight end Leonard Pope late in the first half.

Hip injuries can be tricky if circulation problems develop.

Two-sport pro star Bo Jackson saw his football career end after a hip injury in 1991. After undergoing hip-replacement surgery he was able to resume his baseball career for a while but was never the same.

Former Vol defensive back Deon Grant suffered a fractured hip in training camp as an NFL rookie with the Carolina Panthers in 2000. He missed that season but since 2001 has started 69 consecutive games through Sunday. Allen's injury is not believed to be as serious as Grant's.

Allen returned to UT this season after considering leaving for the NFL draft, with the understanding he could move from safety to cornerback.

He was having an outstanding season until the injury.

"We'll also miss his energy and enthusiasm on special teams, where he's been a real factor,'' Fulmer said, "and we'll miss him in the locker room where he's been a real leader.

"But if I know Jason, he'll be around and be a part of what we're trying to do.''

Fellows started the first three games this year before Wade replaced him against Ole Miss. Starting eight of 12 games in 2004 as a redshirt freshman earned Fellows Freshman All-America status from the Football Writers of America and The Sporting News.

Johnson played in 10 games last year as a true freshman, mostly on special teams. He made one tackle.

The 5-foot-9, 167-pound Atlanta product got a shot at kick returns this year but mishandled a kickoff at LSU and was replaced by Lucas Taylor.

"Inky went in (at corner) and did a nice job (after Allen was hurt),'' Fulmer said.

"Both those guys have a chance to be good players and both have areas where they need to mature.''

Antwan Stewart, moved to safety this year, has also started at cornerback in the past.

Wade, meanwhile, is on a roll at the other cornerback spot, producing big turnovers in three consecutive games. Prior to his interceptions against Ole Miss and Georgia, he recovered an LSU fumble at the Tennessee 28 to nix a Tigers scoring threat.

Rankings: UT fell nine spots to 17th in the Associated Press poll. The Vols play five of the top 11 teams in this week's poll: 5, Georgia; 6, Alabama; 9, Notre Dame; 10, LSU; 11, Florida. The five are a combined 22-3.

Numbers: Parys Haralson's sack against Georgia helped him remain the SEC's active career leader with 16.5. The Vols fell from fourth to 15th nationally in rushing defense after giving up 198 yards to Georgia.

This Week: The Vols are off today and will do community service at several area hospitals. They will practice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276.