Billy Napier updates injury status of linebacker Shemar James

Untitled designby:Nick de la Torre•10/28/23•

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JACKSONVILLE — The Florida Gators got a scare on Saturday even before they kicked off against the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs. While warming up for the game, starting middle linebacker Shemar James slipped and reaggravated a knee injury.

James was seen with linebackers coach Jay Bateman working on moving laterally and running. Ultimately, James was able to play against the Bulldogs with a brace on his left knee. James posted five tackles, two solo, and 0.5 tackles for a loss.

According to ESPN Jacksonville’s Brent Martineau, new sod was put down for the game after last week’s Bethune Cookman vs. Southern game at EverBank. However, the new turf didn’t look good on the broadcast.

“Our top Florida-Georgia game priority is the safety of players and fans,” the statement read. “The field at EverBank Stadium was resodded after the BCU-Southern game last weekend for the second time this year and in accordance with NFL standards. While the sod faced a week of warm Florida weather and was dry upon arrival, the field was tested and passed prior to the game and there is no safety issue for players. We stand by our experienced team of turf professionals who have prepared fields for games at all levels from college to the Super Bowl.”

Billy Napier updates injury status of Shemar James

James dealt with a knee injury back in early August that sidelined him for more than a week during fall camp. James played with a brace during camp but has not had to have extra support on his left knee since the season began. After the game, Billy Napier was asked about the severity of James’ injury and what the prognosis would be. Napier pointed toward a previous injury in high school

“He was able to play. Certainly a little bit of a setback there late. I do think it will be something we’ll be evaluating, big picture-wise for him,” Napier said after the game. “It is a prior injury. It’s an injury that he had before in high school that kind of came to life today a little bit. So we’ll give you more of an update in the middle of the week.”

While the field did not look good on the broadcast or standing down on the field, there weren’t any other issues with players going down with an injury that appeared related to the turf. James leads the Gators with 55 tackles on the season.

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