Ainge says he'll play on sprained ankle, might not practice much

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Injured Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge declared Monday he would play against No. 13 LSU although it was unclear how much he would practice this week.<br> <br> Ainge hurt his right ankle in the fourth quarter last week at South Carolina when he was tackled after a run. He finished the drive while limping, but did not return in the game. Backup Jonathan Crompton relieved him.<br> <br> ``It&#39;s sore, but I have no doubt that I&#39;ll be ready to go on Saturday,&#39;&#39; Ainge said Monday before practice.<br> <br> X-rays and an MRI taken on Ainge&#39;s ankle were negative, and Ainge said it was sprained.<br> <br> The No. 8 Volunteers host LSU on Saturday.<br> <br> ``He&#39;ll be limited today if he does anything. We expect him out here tomorrow and Wednesday and we&#39;ll go from there. Like any other position you prepare a backup to be ready in case he can&#39;t go, but we expect him to be ready to go,&#39;&#39; coach Phillip Fulmer said Monday before practice.<br> <br> Ainge, a junior, said he didn&#39;t think missing some practice would be a problem.<br> <br> ``It&#39;s a day-to-day type thing. I&#39;m feeling good. I&#39;m not worried about if I miss a day of practice or two days of practice that I wouldn&#39;t be physically on my game,&#39;&#39; Ainge said. ``Most of my preparation game week is always mental, so if anything, I could do more of that which could end up helping me out.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Fulmer, however, seemed eager for Ainge to get in some practice time.<br> <br> ``A receiver going in and running a couple of crossing routes is whole lot different than a quarterback having to see all the fronts and coverages,&#39;&#39; Fulmer said. ``He needs to practice. Hopefully he&#39;ll be able to.&#39;&#39;