If only Georgia’s defensive end position could maintain momentum.

Sophomore Justin Houston, suspended for the first two games of the season, is set to return this week against Arkansas.

But starter Rod Battle’s career has ended, after the senior’s knee injury sustained in the South Carolina win.

Such is life, for a unit that can’t catch a break.

“Well, we were fired up and excited and just when we get somebody back at d-end, we lose a guy at d-end,” said Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez. “We’ve got mixed emotions. We’re obviously excited Justin’s back but we’re upset and disappointed that Rod got hurt. He was experienced, provided depth.”

Battle was the lone senior at defensive end, who battled through neck and shoulder injuries in 2008. With such youth at the position, Battle was inrgral in bringing the young guys along, leading by example and vocally instructing.

“Rod is a naturally positive person so he’s trying to be positive about it.,” said defensive end Cornelius Washington. “An injury like that hurts everybody. It just hurts.”

Junior Demarcus Dobbs is the only experienced body left at the position, playing in 28 games, with six starts. The rest of the group has seen action in a combined 19 games, with a lone start by Houston.

The 6-foot-3, 259-pound Statesboro product enjoyed a breakout spring, recording four tackles for loss and three sacks in the G-Day game.

Success was halted when Houston was suspended this summer for an unspecific violation of team rules.

“Everything happens for a reason, so I took that as a challenge,” Houston said. “I still practiced like I was going to play. It motivated me to work even harder.”

A meeting with defensive ends coach Jon Fabris shaped Houston’s outlook.

“You know, coach Fab talked to me and asked me what my plan was,” Houston said. “I told him I was going to take my punishment and move on. He told me I had to work even harder than I was working. He motivated me to work harder.”

So, Houston went to work. Teammates say he stayed positive and remained hungry. He went through practice like he was preparing to play.

“The whole while he was out he said, “I wish I could be with the boys. I wish I could play,’” defensive end Marcus Washington said. “I think he learned from his mistake and he won’t do it again. He’s got a lot of energy for this game.”

Houston’s return was supposed to add depth to a position low. With Battle out, Houston becomes even more important.

“Yeah I wish that would have never happened,” Houston said of Battle’s injury. “That hurt me to my heart, knowing he can’t play. I hope he’ll be able to-I don’t know, it just hurts. Hopefully I can be the guy that get’s a pass rush, gives the defensive ends a rest cause right now we’re lacking at ends. I’ll help the team in anyway.”