ATHENS — Georgia defensive lineman Trenton Thompson will miss the game Saturday at Vanderbilt with a sprained MCL in his right knee, coach Kirby Smart confirmed.

Thompson’s return date is uncertain. He will be on a “week to week” basis after the Missouri game on Oct. 14, Smart said.

“It wasn’t as bad as we originally thought, which is good news,” Smart said Monday.

Thompson injured his knee in the first half of the 41-0 win at Tennessee on Saturday. He did not return to the game.

A preseason first-team All-SEC selection by both the media and the coaches, Thompson has 17 tackles this season, tied for third on the team with three other players. His 3 tackles for loss are fourth on the team.

While he doesn’t have a sack yet this year, Thompson tied for the team lead with 5 last season, including 3 sacks in the Liberty Bowl.

Georgia is very deep on the defensive line, with sophomore Tyler Clark actually starting twice this season over Thompson and emerging as a potential force. Senior nose tackle John Atkins is also having a strong season, along with junior Jonathan Ledbetter and sophomore David Marshall.

Smart said Michail Carter, who’s been playing, may get more snaps. And DaQuan Hawkins-Muckle and Michael Barnett, who haven’t been playing, may “get a few more looks.”

In other injury news, senior inside linebacker Reggie Carter is on a day-to-day basis after an undisclosed injury sustained in the game Saturday. Coaches will know more in the next 48 hours, Smart said.

“We hope to have him available,” Smart said.