Junior tailback/punt returner Rafael Little is expected to miss approximately one month after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on Monday to repair a lateral cartilage tear in his left knee, Coach Rich Brooks announced.

Little originally injured the knee in the win over Texas State on Sept. 9. An MRI test showed no damage, but Little had recurring swelling in the knee, prompting the arthroscopic procedure to assess and correct the situation.

Little has played in five games this season (did not play vs. Florida) and is the team?s leading rusher with 286 yards, a 4.7-yard average per carry, and two touchdowns. He also has 11 pass receptions for 153 yards, a 13.9-yard average per catch, and one TD. Little leads the Southeastern Conference and is sixth nationally in punt returns with a 19.4-yard average. He is second in the SEC, behind teammate Keenan Burton, in all-purpose yardage per game.

In addition, Brooks noted the continuing uncertainty about the injury situation at the defensive tackle positions. Starters Lamar Mills (shoulder) and Myron Pryor (elbow) are questionable for Saturday?s game at LSU. Reserve Ricky Abren, who saw brief action vs. South Carolina, is trying to recover from a sprained wrist. Reserve Corey Peters continues to be out with a sprained knee. The only healthy regular tackle is sophomore reserve Ventrell Jenkins. Brooks said that defensive end Travis Day might see some action at tackle and redshirt freshman walk-on Austin Moss could get playing time as well.