GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida tailback Earnest Graham expects to be recovered from his sprained right knee in time for the Gators' FedEx Orange Bowl matchup against Maryland.

Graham, the Gators' leading rusher, did not practice Sunday during Florida's first workout since its Dec. 1 loss to Tennessee. No. 5 Florida plays No. 6 Maryland on Jan. 2.

"I only jogged today, but it's just a sprain," Graham said. "I don't know when I'll return to practice, but I'll be able to play."

Graham has not played since he was injured in Florida's 37-13 victory over Florida State on Nov. 17. After the game, he told Florida coach Steve Spurrier that Seminoles defensive lineman Darnell Dockett may have injured his right knee by twisting his leg in the pile after a tackle.

Replays of the play when Graham was hurt indicated that Dockett bounced up and down on his leg after he was down, but they were inconclusive as to Dockett's intentions or exactly how Graham hurt the sprained knee.

Dockett has denied trying to hurt Graham, and after reviewing the tape, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden said he believed Dockett.

Graham said Sunday that he is still considering taking legal action against Dockett.

"He knows what he did," Graham said. "It's not over with. I don't really want to go over it until after the bowl game, but it will be handled in its own way."

Graham, a junior, also dismissed published reports that he was considering entering the NFL draft after the season.

"I don't know where that came up that I was leaving," he said. "I said I would look into it, but I never said I would leave. ... I'm not going anywhere."