Cody Douglas hopes his bad fortune has come to an end. Over the past two months Douglas has had more than his fair share.

Douglas is planning on stepping into his right guard spot Saturday when Tennessee plays Auburn in the SEC championship game. The position hasn't been his own since he suffered a foot sprain in the fourth quarter against Georgia on Oct. 9.

The 6-foot-4, 340-pounder's good-natured approach to life has been tested. Two months ago his grandmother suffered a mini-stroke that caused her to fall and break her leg. She is expected to make a full recovery.

This week, Douglas' great aunt, who was much like a grandmother to him, also fell ill from a stroke. Douglas' mother, Rita, spent Thursday at the hospital. It has been a period of hard times for the Douglas family.

Rita Douglas has spent a good part of that time worrying about her son. She knows that injuries are a part of football. But when a foot specialist in Houston suggested the possibilities of "permanent limited athletic ability and chronic, lifelong pain", that was more than mother and son were prepared for.

"When somebody gives you news like that, it'll bring you down," Douglas said of the worst-case scenario. "There was a lot weighing on my mind. It was a tough time for me not knowing if I was ever going to be the same."

Douglas' competitive desire didn't help the situation. He said he misled UT's medical staff to get back on the field. The pain of not playing outweighed the near crippling agony in his foot.

Douglas played against South Carolina on Oct. 30 and Notre Dame on Nov. 6 despite barely being able to walk during the week without a supportive boot.

"That's Cody," his mother said. "He's going to hide quite a bit."

During UT's off week after the Notre Dame game, Douglas went home to Texas and visited the foot specialist. Doctors are not sure if playing did more damage to his foot. At the very least, it slowed the healing process. Rita Douglas said three specialists are reviewing the MRI to determine if surgery will be necessary.

Douglas has improved significantly in the last two weeks. Rest has helped the injury and his demeanor. Douglas said he no longer fears the worst-case scenario and said he can also walk without significant pain or a supportive boot.

Douglas said it was his family and teammates that got him through the down times.

"Whenever I talk to him about it, he says 'Mom, I don't want to talk about it,' " Rita Douglas said. "At that time I know I needed to back off. I know that he was very down. He tries to be strong for mama because he doesn't want me to worry about it."

Rita Douglas used Cody's older brother, Zack, as a medical messenger. Zach would always get a forthright Cody when it came to talking about his foot. The brothers share a birthday, Nov. 25, and a close friendship.

"I was worried if I was going to be able to walk normal for the rest of my life," Douglas said. "Am I going to be able to run and play with my kids? Basically, they all said there is nothing they could do for me. You just have to wait and see."

Douglas suffered the injury during an otherwise routine play. He found himself on his toes blocking. Suddenly, a defensive tackle fell on his heel. The foot was crushed and twisted under the weight.

"It hurt pretty bad," Cody said. "It was kind of a freak injury."

Douglas said doctors in Houston told him the sprain is not a typical football injury. It is more common in car accidents. As a driver brakes to avoid impact, the foot is already under strain. On impact, ligaments give way.

Douglas' anticipation for Saturday's game is palpable, even in interview situations.

"Not being out there is like being a caged animal," Cody said. "I love the game. To have that taken away from you is not fun."

UT's tailbacks have seen a difference without a healthy Douglas. The offensive line hasn't had the same tenacity it had rushing the football with Douglas.

"The main thing I need to do is rest it," Douglas said. "I'll have the off-season, so I'll rest it after this game. I'm willing to do whatever I can to get out there. I'll be there suited up.

"Whether I play or not is a decision up to coach (Phillip) Fulmer and (offensive line) coach (Jimmy Ray) Stephens in pre-game warm-ups. I just hope and pray the coaches have enough faith in me to put me out there and see if I can get the job done."

UT trainers say there is only a slight risk of further damage to Douglas' foot if he plays Saturday. Douglas is not worried.

"Not thinking about it," Douglas said. "I'm thinking about winning the SEC championship game. You don't get these games too often. In my eyes everything else will wait. Foot aside, future aside. I've put my blood, sweat, and tears in this season. I'm willing to do anything to get this ring.

"Whatever it takes to get it done, I'll do it."

Said Rita Douglas: "One of the reasons he went to Tennessee was to win championships. His life is football."