They were supposed to be fast, strong and explosive.

Instead, they've been hobbled, nicked up and disappointing.

Much of Tennessee's wide receivers are wearing green non-contact jerseys in practice this week, a common theme among a group with sky-high expectations.

Senior C.J. Fayton and sophomore Robert Meachem have suffered two of the most-significant "dings" with injuries to their ankles.

Fayton is probable for Saturday's game against Alabama. He will likely return to practice this week after missing the Georgia game Oct. 8.

Meachem hasn't missed any playing time and little practice time. He has, however, worn a green jersey for almost the entire season.

"C.J. was really coming on," UT receivers coach Pat Washington said. "You're looking for one guy to be the leader of the group, a guy that's going to be a versatile guy for you.

"C.J. was on his way until about the third play of the Ole Miss game (when he was injured).

"Then you have other guys that have been nicked up like Meachem, a guy that you really anticipated to break out and have a great year. He struggled some because of an injury.

Fayton and Meachem haven't been the only ones. Receivers Chris Hannon, Jayson Swain, Josh Briscoe and Lucas Taylor have also donned the green this week.

"It's tough but, hey, that's football," Washington said. "You're going to have injuries. Some are known. Some are unknown. Guys just have to suck it up and go."

Washington said he tries to play four or five wide receivers in most games to keep UT's wideouts fresh. That number can rise to seven during a game where UT frequently utilizes multiple wide receiver formations.

Washington said his group often uses as much energy in run blocking as they do running routes. Washington said he hasn't been concerned that the substitution might prevent UT's receivers from getting into a rhythm.

UT has five receivers with at least 13 catches but none with more than 16. Fayton, UT's leading receiver, has 190 receiving yards. Four other UT receivers also have more than 150 yards.

"I think about the fourth quarter," Washington said. "If you've got a chance in a series or two to give a guy a blow so he can be that much fresher in the fourth quarter, do it."

Shouldering The Load: Tailback Gerald Riggs Jr. said UT's players are responsible not the system for the poor offensive performance this season. Through five games, the Vols rank 83rd in the nation and eighth in the SEC in total offense.

"At a place like Nebraska, they ran the option for so long, it pretty much became that's what it's going to be," Riggs said. "It came back to bite them a little bit the last couple of years before they changed up.

"Do I think there needs to be a change here? Not at all. That's not even my place to say, at all."

"Every now and then you might have to toss a new wrinkle in there but it falls on the players."

Riggs said players must make plays no matter what position, good or bad, UT's coaches put the team in.

"They don't put pads on," Riggs said. "They're not perfect. Sometimes, they might put us in a bad situation or might put is in a bad look or have us out of position.

"At the same time, they also put us in good positions sometimes. We've got to be able to make a play no matter what."

Ainge Alert: Sophomore quarterback Erik Ainge said he wasn't sure when he might play against Alabama but fully expects to play as long as he successfully manages UT's game plan during practice.

"I just have to go out to practice everyday and pretend it's a game," Ainge said.

Sacked Simon: Kevin Simon will never forget the 2003 Alabama game. Simon said he played 102 of 108 defensive plays as UT won the five-overtime affair.

"I've never been that tired ever in a football game," the senior linebacker said. "The best part about that game was you know you gave your all, and when you were laying down on that field, it was in victory.

"It was a great game to be a part of if you were Tennessee. If you were Alabama, you probably wouldn't feel the same."

Safety First: Defensive backs coach Larry Slade said while there is no doubt that Demetrice Morley can play cornerback, the freshman is staying at safety.

"He's a safety," Slade said. "That's where our issues are. Where we need him to help us is at safety."

Slade said Inky Johnson has a slight edge over Roshaun Fellows for a starting cornerback spot. The two sophomores are battling to replace senior All-SEC starter Jason Allen, who suffered a season ending hip injury.

Slade said UT's other cornerbacks have caught up to Fellows because of their athletic ability.

"Don't forget about Antonio Gaines," Slade said, referring to another sophomore. "Every day I watch the practice tape and I'm talking about Antonio Gaines. He's in that mix also."

Junior Jonathan Wade is the other starting cornerback.

Slade said Allen has continued to encourage his teammates even while injured. Allen was at practice Monday on crutches.

Slade said Allen is one of the best defensive backs he has coached during his seven years at UT.

Motivated Man: Defensive coordinator John Chavis said there's plenty of motivation for UT coach Phillip Fulmer considering this week's opponent, Alabama, and UT's two-loss record.

"I sense there's some extra motivation there," Chavis said. "There's no question. It's more to get this program back where we want it."

Pepped: The Birmingham Big Orange Club & the Birmingham Chapter of UT Alumni Assoc. is holding a pep rally for UT fans. The event will include former UT coach David Cutcliffe as a guest speaker and bluegrass music.

The rally will take place at Johnny Rays Barbeque, located at 3431 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35243. To RSVP, email Pat Oller at bigorangeclub@gmail.com or call 205-823-4430.

Lombardi List: Tennessee defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona is one of 12 players named as semifinalists for the Lombardi Award.

The other 11 finalists are defensive tackle Rod Wright of Texas, center Greg Eslinger of Minnesota, defensive end Elvis Dumervil of Louisville, offensive tackle D’Brickshaw Ferguson of Virginia, defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka of Boston College, linebackers Spencer Havner of UCLA, A.J. Hawk of Ohio State, Paul Posluszny of Penn State and DeMeco Ryans of Alabama and offensive tackles Joe Thomas of Wisconsin and Eric Winston of Miami.