Tennessee does not expect OT Thomas to play vs No. 4 Alabama

Published Oct. 22, 2014 9:01 p.m. ET

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee coach Butch Jones does not expect offensive tackle Coleman Thomas to play Saturday against No. 4 Alabama.

On his ''Vol Calls'' radio show Wednesday, Jones said, ''Right now, I would probably not anticipate him playing.''

Thomas, a freshman starting at right tackle, injured an ankle last week in the 34-3 loss at No. 3 Mississippi.

Offensive line coach Don Mahoney said senior Jacob Gilliam likely would play right tackle if Thomas is unavailable. Gilliam tore his left ACL in Tennessee's season opener, but he played against Mississippi.

Thomas, guard Marcus Jackson and quarterback Justin Worley all left the Mississippi game with various injuries.

Jones said he would decide later this week about Worley, and that Jackson ''practiced a little bit today, but not much.''