Foster, Hardesty newcomers to Vols’ injury list

Tennessee started Saturday’s game against South Carolina with at least five starters nursing some sort of injury. After a 27-6 loss to the Gamecocks, that number continues to grow.

The latest additions to a laundry list of injured players are offensive tackle Ramon Foster and tailback Montario Hardesty.

Foster left after suffering a concussion, while Hardesty did not play aside from a few special teams snaps against the Gamecocks because of an undisclosed leg injury.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer said Hardesty, who has struggled throughout his career with injuries, will undergo an MRI today to determine the extent of his injury.

Hardesty’s status for Saturday’s homecoming game against Wyoming (TV: Pay-per-view, 1 p.m.) is uncertain.

“We’re going to give him another leg scan Monday just to see if something’s going on like he had before, well, just to see what it is,” Fulmer said.

Foster, who has started 22 consecutive games, will continue to be evaluated this week, although Fulmer said he was doing better Sunday.

Tailback Arian Foster also suffered a thigh bruise, but should be fine for Saturday, Fulmer said.

Fulmer also said defensive end Wes Brown has been playing all season with a partially torn meniscus in his right knee.

“Playing is not going to hurt it further, quite likely,” Fulmer said. “It’ll just have to be taken care of (with surgery) in the offseason.”

Guard Anthony Parker (ankle), defensive tackle Dan Williams (ankle), wide receiver Gerald Jones (ankle), defensive tackle Walter Fisher (toe), linebacker Ellix Wilson (ankle) and linebacker Rico McCoy (shoulder) all played despite injury against the Gamecocks and should be available against Wyoming, Fulmer said.

“Those guys all had very limited practice but played in the game,” Fulmer said. “It doesn’t look like they’re going to be set back from that. They’ll be available and hopefully better as we go into this next one.”

Still Stephens: Despite playing Jonathan Crompton for all but one play in the second quarter Saturday, Fulmer said that quarterback Nick Stephens remains UT’s starter.

Stephens was pulled after throwing his first career interception, which was returned 68 yards for a touchdown.

“Right now, I think Nick is the guy, but shoot, we’re looking at anything,” Fulmer said. “Nick and Jon both had their opportunities, and Nick had some good plays in the game.”

Waiting on Vinson: Fulmer said he would have word today on the availability of sophomore cornerback Brent Vinson, who was suspended last week for a violation of team rules.

Vinson was not at practice Sunday to attend a play for a class, Fulmer said.

Receiver Josh Briscoe and McCoy also missed practice for class obligations.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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