Trevor Etienne, Austin Barber, Kingsley Eguakun not expected to play for Florida vs. Vanderbilt

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What Does Florida Need To Fix, Is Billy Napier In Trouble?

Florida could be going into Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt. Multiple starters, including running back Trevor Etienne, are not expected to play, On3’s Matt Zenitz has learned.

Etienne and left tackle Austin Barber are both doubtful, sources told Zenitz. In addition, center Kingsley Eguakun is not expected to play as he deals with an ankle injury.

Etienne is dealing with an upper-body injury, according to Gators Online’s Nick de la Torre, and his absence would be huge for the Florida offense. He leads the Gators with 358 rushing yards this year and has found the end zone twice. That could open the door for Montrell Johnson — who has a team-high three rushing touchdowns — to take over as the lead running back.

Johnson said he’s ready for that scenario.

“If that happens I’m preparing for it. It doesn’t matter who gets the ball. I’m preparing for it,” Johnson said, via Gators Online. “If Trevor can’t go I trust the coaches to put me in the right plays. If that means more carries, I’m ready for it.”

What’s at stake for Florida against Vanderbilt without Trevor Etienne, other key playmakers

Florida is looking to get things back on track after a 33-14 loss to Kentucky last week. The Gators totaled 313 yards on offense, but only found the end zone twice as they enter Week 6 with the SEC’s worst scoring offense. Johnson and Etienne had a fairly even split in the backfield in that game. Johnson led Florida with 11 carries for 42 yards while Etienne had 10 carries for 29 yards.

Those aren’t the only injuries Florida is dealing with entering the Vanderbilt game, though. Wide receiver Caleb Douglas is likely to be out four to six weeks after going down with an injury against Kentucky. He was injured late in the second quarter when he caught a 34-yard pass down the right sideline from quarterback Graham Mertz. As he came down with the ball, he was tackled by Kentucky’s Andru Phillips, and his leg twisted under Phillips.

Douglas was helped to the locker room, and Billy Napier said he likely won’t require surgery. He’s second on the team with 133 receiving yards and has a receiving touchdown to his name, as well.

Florida enters Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt as an 18.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel, as the Gators try to right the ship. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.