Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer said Tuesday that Chris Brown, who was listed as a co-starter at tight end with Brad Cottam earlier this week, will start at tight end Saturday against California.

"Chris Brown will start the game right now, but Brad Cottam is right there with him," Fulmer said. "That's good for our team when you've got two guys like that."

Fulmer also said that as of Tuesday Austin Rogers be the starting punt returner ahead of Jonathan Hefney, who was listed as the starter on this week's depth chart.

"Austin Rogers will start; obviously Jon Hefney could always go back there and Lucas Taylor, but (Rogers) has been the most consistent catching the ball other than Jon on the punts," Fulmer said.

Fulmer said he would like to limit Hefney's special teams snaps because of his importance to the defense as starting free safety.

Taylor and Demetrice Morley will be the starting kickoff returners.

Hancock Watch: Freshman receiver Quentin Hancock is expected to play some Saturday, despite a "tweaked" hamstring suffered this week in practice.

Coaches have raved about the 6-foot-2, 185-pound freshman throughout fall practice.

Mayo Expected to Play: Sophomore weakside linebacker Jerod Mayo will likely play Saturday, Fulmer said.

Mayo returned to practice Monday after nursing an ankle injury.

"He was making significant strides," Fulmer said of Mayo. "I believe he'll be available this weekend, but I wish we could have avoided (the injury)."

Rico McCoy filled in during Mayo's absence last week.