Jelani Jenkins injury: Florida linebacker may play vs. Vanderbilt

Florida linebacker Jelani Jenkins may play against Vanderbilt on Saturday despite a fractured thumb and a hamstring injury.

Gators defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said he is hopeful the junior linebacker will be back on the field this week. Jenkins missed Florida's games against Tennessee and Kentucky with a fractured thumb. He returned last week against LSU, only to be forced out once again with a hamstring injury.

Jenkins, who played with a cast on his hand against LSU, is considered probable to play on Saturday. His return would be a big boost to the Gators defense. Jenkins has played in 29 games during his Florida career, including 25 starts. He has five tackles in two games this season, giving him 158 career tackles. He also has four career sacks and two interceptions.

Including the two games he's missed this season, Jenkins has missed three games in his career due to injury. He was unable to play against Vanderbilt last season due to an injury.