Vernell Brown III injury update: Star Florida receiver heads to locker room after third-quarter knock

Florida star freshman receiver Vernell Brown III was injured on a play late in the third quarter of a game against Mississippi State. He appeared to hurt something on his left side, possibly his shoulder, his arm or his wrist.

He came off the field holding his left wrist after taking a hit on a completion for nine yards on third-and-5. The catch resulted in a first-down conversion and extended a drive that would ultimately result in a touchdown for Florida.

But the injury to Vernell Brown III could be costly. He’s been one of the team’s top weapons, and he headed to the locker room early in the fourth quarter, according to GatorsOnline reporter Zach Abolverdi.

Prior to his injury, Brown was the leading receiver in the game for Florida. He had logged five catches for 95 yards, doing so on just six targets. He even had a 50-yard reception in the game.

On the year, Vernell Brown III has accounted for 27 catches for 368 yards. Interestingly enough, for as good as he has been, he has yet to find the end zone. He also has one carry for 14 yards.

Brown also contributes on special teams. He had logged nine punt returns for 139 yards, as well as seven kickoff returns for 122 yards.

Florida fans chant “Fire Billy”

While all eyes will be on Vernell Brown III and his health, embattled Florida coach Billy Napier might also be on his last leg this weekend as his team takes on Mississippi State. And indications from inside the stadium aren’t good if he was hopeful to keep his job.

The fans began chanting “Fire Billy” in unison during one particularly painful stretch of playcalling and penalties late in the first half. Loudly.

First, Florida opted to run quarterback DJ Lagway on a keeper on third-and-7 from the 18-yard line. He gained only three yards, forcing the team to settle for a field goal attempt.

That’s when things started to go even more sideways after the head-scratching call. As they have many times during Billy Napier’s tenure, particularly when it comes to special teams.

The first miscue was a quick delay of game, backing up the field goal unit five yards. Then a bigger problem.

On the ensuing field goal attempt, offensive lineman Damieon George was called for an illegal hands to the face penalty. That backed things up another 15 yards, bringing it to 20 total yardage in penalties on the special teams unit and making it a much more difficult kick.

The Billy Napier chants rang out. It’ll be interesting to see how things play out, win or lose, going forward.