Squirrel White injury update: Mike Norvell pressed for latest on Florida State WR's status

Florida State lost one of its potential playmakers in a blowout of East Texas A&M on Saturday. Wide receiver Squirrel White left the contest with a seeming hand or wrist injury.

He returned to the sidelines in the second half sporting a heavy brace on his left wrist. He was in street clothes.

Following the game, coach Mike Norvell was asked if he had any kind of update on Squirrel White or defensive end James Williams. Specifically, he was asked whether they were long-term injuries.

“I don’t have that type of information right now, but I don’t believe so,” Norvell said. “But obviously we’ll see.”

So far this season Squirrel White has accounted for just one catch for 40 yards, but his big-play ability has clearly been on display. During his career, which began at Tennessee in 2022, White has logged 132 catches for 1,705 yards and six touchdowns.

White has also gotten the occasional touch out of the backfield, but he hasn’t been all that productive in that capacity. When healthy, it’ll be interesting to see if Florida State attempts to get creative with his usage.

Florida State high on Squirrel White

One thing that became abundantly clear in fall camp for Florida State was just how high on Squirrel White the Seminoles were. They were counting on major contributions this fall.

Obviously it remained to be seen how the practice work would translate to the field this fall. But after a season-opening upset of Alabama, it stands to reason that Florida State’s camp was pretty competitive.

That spells potentially big things for White. If healthy.

“Yeah, you can see the confidence he’s playing with. I don’t think anything’s holding him back from the previous injury,” Norvell said. “He’s definitely playing fast and put that on display tonight. I like his attitude and mindset. He’s making plays when he gets his opportunities.”

Last season, White caught only 34 passes for 381 yards, two touchdowns and 11.2 yards per catch. He has six touchdowns in his career (two each season), but had career highs in 2023. White had 67 catches for 803 yards, two touchdowns and 12 yards per catch two seasons ago.

As a member of the Class of 2022, Squirrel White was a four-star recruit out of Pinson (Ala.) Clay-Chalkville, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He was the No. 15 overall prospect in the state, the No. 63 wide receiver in the class and the No. 371 overall prospect in the class.

On3’s Nick Kosko also contributed to this report.