Gators could be without LB Jones against 'Noles

Nov 21, 2009 - 11:14 PM GAINESVILLE, Fla.(AP) -- Top-ranked Florida likely will be without starting linebacker A.J. Jones against rival Florida State next week.

Jones, sixth on the team with 37 tackles, injured the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during Saturday's 62-3 win over Florida International.

Coach Urban Meyer all but ruled Jones out against the Seminoles, saying he grabbed backup Brandon Hicks after the game and told him to get ready.

"A.J. Jones won't play probably," Meyer said.

Left guard Carl Johnson and center Maurkice Pouncey also are battling injuries. Johnson sprained his right ankle against the Golden Panthers, and Pouncey suffered a bone bruise in a leg during Friday's walkthrough when he collided with a teammate.

Pouncey played sparingly Saturday. Meyer said both linemen should return against Florida State.

The Gators (11-0) also hope to get defensive end Jermaine Cunningham (shoulder), defensive tackle Terron Sanders (ribs) and running back Emmanuel Moody (ankle) back. They missed Saturday's game.

Tight end Aaron Hernandez sat out the first quarter against FIU for undisclosed reasons. Hernandez has a team-high 46 receptions for 571 yards and two touchdowns.

"I don't want to say he's in the doghouse a little bit, but we've got to have a little better week out of him this week," Meyer said.