Athens, GA -- (Sports Network) - Georgia starting defensive tackle Jeff Owens hurt his right knee during a 45-21 win over Georgia Southern on Saturday.

Owens, who suffered the injury in the opening quarter, did not return and could be out for an extended period for the nation's No.1 ranked team.

"He hurt his knee and he won't be back anytime soon," said Georgia coach Mark Richt. "We need to take the MRI and the X-rays that we need to take and have certainty later on."

Owens started all 13 games last season and had 27 tackles.