Gators may be without WR Caldwell, RB James vs. Vols

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Fifth-ranked Florida could be without receiver Andre Caldwell and running back Brandon James against No. 22 Tennessee on Saturday.

Caldwell sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in Florida's 59-31 win over Troy on Saturday. James also sprained an ankle.

"I don't have the final word on them," coach Urban Meyer said Sunday. "Obviously, there's some concerns there."

Meyer said he would know the severity of the injuries later Sunday. Losing Caldwell would be a significant setback for the defending national champions.

The Gators also have other injuries.

Receiver Jarred Fayson injured his left knee in the game, but later returned. Backup safety Bryan Thomas also sprained an MCL. And Meyer said speedster Percy Harvin now has tendinitis in his knee in addition to the tendinitis in his Achilles' tendon that has bothered him the last few weeks.

Brandon James sprained his ankle in the second half vs. Troy. (US Presswire)

Harvin was limited in practice last week because of the Achilles' tendon problems and was supposed to play sparingly against the Trojans.

But the Gators (2-0) turned to him after Troy cut a 42-point lead in half. Harvin finished with 56 yards rushing and 42 yards receiving.

Caldwell had one reception for 8 yards, catching a pass on the first play of the third quarter and then fumbling. He also had an 18-yard touchdown run in the first half.

Caldwell, the younger brother of former Florida receiver Reche Caldwell, caught 57 passes for 577 yards and six touchdowns last season.

Without him, Fayson, Cornelius Ingram and Louis Murphy would likely get expanded roles. Ingram caught seven passes for a career-high 105 yards and a touchdown against Troy. Murphy had six receptions for 78 yards.

Fayson also would return kicks if James is unable to play against the Volunteers (1-1). James was suspended for the opener pleading no contest last month to a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge.

He provided a spark for the special teams against Troy, returning one punt 32 yards and returning three kickoffs for 127 yards. He had a 59-yarder that set up a touchdown in the first quarter.

He sprained his ankle in the second half.

"The severity, we'll find out more today," Meyer said. "A lot of it depends on what happens in the course of the night."