D-line improving, MSG on the shelf

SOCIAL: Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook

BERKELEY -- Contrary to prior reports, California tight end Richard Rodgers will be "probable," on Saturday against Ohio State, according to head coach Jeff Tedford, as will outside linebacker Chris McCain/

Right tackle Matt Summers-Gavin, on the other hand, is still on the shelf.

"MSG will not play this week. Rodgers and McCain are probable," Tedford said in his weekly press conference on Tuesday.

There is currently no long-term prognosis on Summers-Gavin, and he is listed as "day to day, week to week, depending on how he responds to treatment," Tedford said. "He's working hard at it."

[PREVIEW: Cal D prepares to contain Braxton Miller

]

Penn State inside linebacker transfer Khairi Fortt will not see his debut after practicing this week.

"He has not been in a scrimmage type situation yet, so he will not play this week," Tedford said.

The defensive line is slowly but surely rounding into form. Last week, Viliami Moala saw ample time, recording one tackle, one tackle for loss and one pass break-up. Moala had been slowed during fall camp because of a concussion, and could therefore not maintain his conditioning.

[PREVIEW: First Look at Ohio State

]

"Yeah, he's in the rotation, for sure," Tedford said. "He's done well. He made some plays, got his hand on a ball, him and [Keni] Kaufusi both batted a ball down. I think he's going to start doing better because he had to play himself into shape because he lost quite a bit of time with that concussion."

Moala's recruiting classmate Mustafa Jalil, though, is on a more extended timetable.

"The rotation is always to try to keep guys fresh. We're almost back to full strength. Jalil is still the only one's who's still hobbled," Tedford said. "I eel like we're almost back to full strength with the D-line. It will continue to rotate depending on our different packages that we have in the game."

Tedford said that Jalil "can play a little bit, but we have to be smart with him."

California Memorial Stadium's sound system was cranked up high during Tuesday's practice, as the Bears prepare for a 100,000-plus crowd at the Horseshoe on Saturday.

"Today we cranked it up, anticipating a hostile environment there," Tedford said. "It's really important that we practice with that. If it's really loud, we'll be prepared for it."