UK Notebook--Micah Johnson to start, more

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Middle linebacker Micah Johnson, who has missed the last two games because of a high-ankle sprain, is expected to return to the starting lineup in Saturday’s game vs. South Carolina, Coach Rich Brooks has announced. Johnson was injured in the first half of the game against Middle Tennessee State and has not played since. In that game he had nine tackles before halftime.

Brooks said that Braxton Kelley, who has started the last two games at middle linebacker in Johnson’s place, will return to his role at weakside linebacker. Kelley’s move is timely, as weakside linebacker Michael Schwindel is expected to miss this week’s game because of an injured shoulder incurred at Alabama.

Brooks also noted that the other two players who are recovering from high-ankle sprains, defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin and quarterback/wide receiver Randall Cobb, also appear ready for action on Saturday.

Kentucky (4-1, 0-1 SEC) plays host to South Carolina (4-2, 1-2 SEC) at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are sold out. The game is a live regional telecast by Raycom Sports.