Florida will probably be without at least four of its opening game starters on defense when it plays Alabama in the SEC championship game.

Defensive end Jordan Sherit will "definitely" be out due to a leg injury and star linebacker Jarrad Davis is "pretty doubtful" because of an ankle injury, Gators coach Jim McElwain said during a conference call on Sunday.

Florida will also be without star safety Marcus Maye and linebacker Alex Anzalone. Both suffered broken arms earlier this month.

In addition, starting safety Nick Washington missed Saturday's game against Florida State with an ankle injury while defensive end Bryan Cox has been out with a lower leg injury.

It's unclear if either will play against Alabama.

That means Florida could be without five of its top seven tacklers against the Tide.

Davis, Anzalone and Maye are second, third and fourth on the team in tackles, respectively. Washington and Sherit are sixth and seventh.

After allowing an average of just 13 points in its first 10 games, Florida gave up 31 points during a 31-13 loss to Florida State on Saturday, though the Gators still only allowed 387 yards of total offense.