Linebacker P.J. Davis could return for Duke game

Georgia Tech linebacker P.J. Davis (40) celebrates in the first half at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, September 10, 2016. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Georgia Tech linebacker P.J. Davis (40) celebrates in the first half at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, September 10, 2016. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Georgia Tech linebacker P.J. Davis is a possibility to play next week after the Yellow Jackets return from their bye week. Davis suffered a hamstring injury against Pittsburgh and missed Tech’s game against Georgia Southern on Saturday.

“We’ll see how about P.J.,” coach Paul Johnson said after Wednesday’s practice. “We’re hopeful.”

Tech plays Duke at noon Nov. 29 at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Davis is the Jackets’ leading tackler, status he has held the past two seasons, as well. Without Davis, the Jackets were not at their best. While limiting the Eagles to 4.0 yards per play, Tech permitted Georgia Southern to convert 13 of 20 third downs and score 24 points on eight possessions.

“We missed him, we missed his leadership, but at the same time, that’s part of the game,” defensive coordinator Ted Roof said. “I thought that (backup) Chase Alford gave us a steady performance.”

Johnson also said that cornerback Step Durham will “for sure” play. Durham has been fighting an ankle injury and was not able to finish the Georgia Southern game.

Offensive line coach Mike Sewak said that offensive tackles Trey Klock and Andrew Marshall, both of whom did not play against Georgia Southern, should be ready to play.

“I’m sure we’ll get everybody back,” he said. “You’ve got an opportunity to get healthy (with the open date). I think they’ll get healthy and we’ll be at full regiment.”