Injury Report: Three Gators close to returning, another's future uncertain
The Florida Gators’ first fall camp under Billy Napier has been a grind. As Napier takes over and imparts a new mentality into the program, there have been long, physical practices. That has led to some nagging and serious injuries.
The biggest came to backup quarterback Jack Miller. The redshirt freshman had surgery on his right thumb and will be out for at least the first two games, per Napier.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom on Sunday. Napier provided positive injury updates on three other players, while one freshman could be out for an extended period of time.
Gators getting back two presumed starters
It’s been hard to miss receiver Ricky Pearsall and Jason Marshall Jr. at practice. Florida’s starting slot receiver and top cornerback have both been seen at practice in black non-contact jerseys. Pearsall, who has missed more than a week with a bone bruise in his foot, gives the Gators an added dimension on offense that they lack with the other receivers in the room.
Only a sophomore, Marshall looks to be the next in a long line of great cornerbacks at Florida. Marshall has been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue, sources told Gators Online. Napier’s update on the two starters Sunday was the best news on them in recent weeks.
“We feel really good about their progress. We anticipate getting them back this week. I think both are very common injuries and things that just take a little time. We’re just waiting on the performance team and the training room and the strength and conditioning to make a decision when they’re ready to go,” Napier said of Pearsall and Marshall. ‘They’ve been doing quite a bit of work, but in a controlled setting. But we anticipate getting both those guys back shortly.”
Ethan White
The Gators’ starting left guard has been in a non-contact jersey for about a week. White is a crucial piece to the offensive line, but it appears he won’t be sidelined for long.
“Ethan had a minor setback and had a small procedure,” Napier said of the undisclosed injury. “He’s out for a little bit. He’ll be back.”
While he hasn’t been able to participate, White has been able to be around the offensive line during drills at practice. Napier’s comments on Sunday suggest that White, barring another setback, would be available to play against Utah.
David Conner
Napier was more elusive when answering a question regarding freshman offensive lineman.
“David Conner’s is a little bit more extensive,” Napier said. “I think a lot of that is to be determined in the future.”
Conner’s absence won’t affect the Gators too much in 2022, as the true freshman was expected to redshirt this season.
OConner joined the Gators as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2022 out of Lithonia, Georgia. The No. 58 offensive tackle recruit in the country, Conner was also ranked No. 113 in the state of Florida and No. 834 nationally.
