LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky could start freshman Jalen Whitlow at quarterback Saturday night against No. 6 South Carolina if Maxwell Smith's injured shoulder hasn't healed.

Wildcats coach Joker Phillips said Monday Smith is day-to-day after spraining the acromioclavicular joint in his right shoulder against Western Kentucky.

The sophomore, who has completed 102 of 149 passes for eight touchdowns and 986 yards, was a last-minute scratch for Saturday's 38-0 loss at No. 14 Florida after trainers said he could risk further injury by playing.

Phillips says Smith will be evaluated after he resumes throwing on Wednesday. The coach suggested starting Whitlow over senior backup Morgan Newton because he was being groomed for the No. 2 spot anyway.

Whitlow was 1 of 6 for 12 yards against Florida after replacing Newton, who threw three interceptions.