Jelani Jenkins injury: Gators LB could play vs. LSU

There is a chance that injured Florida Gators outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins could return to action when Florida hosts LSU on Oct. 6 in Gainesville. The Gainesville Sun reports that Jenkins will have the pin removed from his fractured thumb, and could play with a cast on his hand against the Tigers.

"He's seeing a specialist on Friday and we feel pretty optimistic about him," Florida coach Will Muschamp said. "It's about pain level and comfort level of playing with a cast."

Jenkins missed Florida's victories over Tennessee and Kentucky after fracturing the thumb against Texas A&M. The junior from Olney, Maryland tied for third on the Gators defense in tackles during 2011. He had three tackles in Florida's season-opening victory over Bowling Green, and two more before being injured against the Aggies.

Florida heads into the LSU game at 4-0 overall and 3-0 in the SEC. The Gators shut out Kentucky last Saturday, recording their first SEC shutout in 11 years.