LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Kentucky quarterback Maxwell Smith, practicing this week with a separated shoulder, will play Saturday when the Wildcats host South Carolina at Commonwealth Stadium.

When asked for a percentage of how likely Smith would play, UK coach Joker Phillips said the sophomore will be the starter.

"100, unless something happens to him," Phillips said on Thursday. "100. He's going to be the starter."

Phillips also said he wasn't trying to hide Smith's injury status last week, when Morgan Newton started at quarterback against Florida.

"I wasn't trying to mislead you last week," Phillips said.

Phillips said trainer Jim Madaleno warned the coach that Smith could miss up to six weeks with the injury.

"That's not worth chancing, in my opinion," Phillips said. "Last week I didn't know what the effects would be if he got hit again. That's not the case this week.. He's healthier this week, so he'll play."

Phillips said Smith threw the ball well during Thursday's practice.