COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - Missouri offensive lineman Elvis Fisher is expected to return this week against Vanderbilt after missing three games with a strained right knee ligament.
Fisher is listed atop the depth chart at left tackle, but coach Gary Pinkel said he isn't sure how long Fisher will be able to stay in the game.
Fisher, who was still wearing a knee brace Monday, injured his knee against No. 5 Georgia on Sept. 8 in a pileup and needed to be carted off the field.
The senior says doctors told him surgery was not required and that the recovery time would be about four weeks. Fisher kept his leg immobile for the first 10 days and started stretching it thereafter.
With Fisher, Missouri may have four first-string linemen starting for the first time this season. Jack Meiners is listed as questionable with a bruised knee, but Pinkel also expects him to be able to play. Left guard Travis Ruth has missed the entire season so far after undergoing surgery in August to repair a torn left triceps tendon, and there is no timetable for his return.
Fisher missed the 2011 season after tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament during the preseason, gaining a sixth year of eligibility. He started every game from 2008-10.