Knowshon Moreno could miss Tennessee game

Athens — Georgia tailback Knowshon Moreno, considered one of the nation’s leading Heisman Trophy candidates, could miss the Bulldogs’ next game due to an injury.

Moreno, a sophomore, suffered a contusion — or substantial bruise — on one of his elbows during the second half of Saturday night’s 41-30 loss to Alabama. Georgia is off this week before resuming play against Tennessee in Athens on Oct. 11.

“He has a pretty good contusion on the elbow,” coach Mark Richt said this afternoon. “He’s already getting some good movement back. … He has a shot of playing in the next game but it’s not guaranteed though.”

Moreno was one of several Bulldogs that suffered significant injuries on Saturday:

— Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe: The starting middle linebacker and preseason All-SEC candidate suffered a knee sprain on the third play from scrimmage and did not return. However, his injury is not as bad as originally thought and Richt said Ellerbe “has an outside shot of playing” the next game.

— Split end Kris Durham: Suffered a severe sprain of the right ankle on a 22-yard catch and will miss at least the next game and likely at least one of two more.

— Tight end Tripp Chandler: The senior starter aggravated a chronic shoulder injury and “probably will not play” in the next game, according to Richt.

— Tight end Bruce Figgins: Did not dress out for Alabama due to a separated shoulder suffered the previous week and kept secret by the coaching staff. Figgins will likely elect to have season-ending surgery. If so, redshirt freshman Aron White will become the starter. The Bulldogs moved tackle Kiante Tripp to tight end on Saturday and he will remain at that position, possibly for the rest of the season, Richt said.

— Quarterback Matthew Stafford: Was tested after the game for a concussion. The tests were negative and he should be able to play against Tennessee.

Moreno, who came into the game averaging 113.8 yards and two touchdowns a game, was limited to 34 yards on nine carries by the Crimson Tide. He scored one touchdown.