ATHENS - John Theus missed Monday's practice, and Malcolm Mitchell was limited, according to Georgia's official injury report. But their coach is feeling cautiously optimistic about their status for Saturday's visit to Missouri.

Theus, the freshman starting right tackle, sprained his ankle late in Saturday's win over Buffalo. His top backup, sophomore Watts Dantzler, also sprained his ankle in the game, and like Theus was officially listed as out of practice. (There was no media viewing period for Monday's practice.)

But head coach Mark Richt, speaking on his radio show on Monday night, was upbeat about those two and tailback Ken Malcome.

"I think there's a good chance those guys will be able to play," head coach Mark Richt said on his radio show on Monday night.

Mitchell missed the game after spraining his ankle two days before the game, and then having swelling the next day. The team said Mitchell was "limited" in Monday's practice, which normally means being able to practice, but in a non-contact jersey.

"Malcolm Mitchell, he might have done a little scout team work. He was out there doing some pre-practice stuff with Ron Courson to try to get him ready for some scout-team work," Richt said. "So I'm feeling pretty comfortable we can get a few guys back that weren't able to play in this game."

Receiver Marlon Brown (hamstring) and fullback Richard Samuel (hip contusion) were also described as limited.

One player whose health seems better is Malcome, the starter against Buffalo. Malcome left the game with a left hand injury, and while he was wearing a cast on Monday, he said it was due to be taken off on Tuesday.

Malcome said he would "hopefully" be able to play. But he sounded pretty certain.

"I should be able to," he said.