Georgia Bulldogs star defensive tackle Jalen Carter out 'a week or two' with knee injury

No. 2 Georgia will be without star defensive tackle Jalen Carter for «a week or two» as he deals with a knee injury, coach Kirby Smart told reporters on Monday.

A 6-foot-3, 310-pound junior, Carter is projected to be a top pick in next year's NFL draft. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. lists him as the third-best prospect overall.

Smart said Carter injured his MCL last Saturday at Missouri. Georgia came back in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points to win, 26-22.

«We don't know how long it's going to be,» Smart said of Carter's recovery, «but it's doesn't look good for this week.»

Georgia hosts Auburn on Saturday and Vanderbilt the following week.

Then, after a bye week, Georgia plays rival Florida in Jacksonville.

The Bulldogs, which are 5-0 this season, expect to welcome back starting defensive back Javon Bullard on Saturday, Smart said.

Bullard did not travel to Missouri as part of a one-game suspension he received following his arrest on Sept. 25 when he was charged with several misdemeanors, including driving under the influence.

Bullard started all four games prior to his arrest. He has seven tackles and one pass break-up.