Jack Miller to miss at least two games after thumb surgery
Florida Gators backup quarterback Jack Miller will miss at least two games after undergoing surgery on his right thumb. Billy Napier announced the timetable and injury for Miller on Sunday.
“Jack had a thumb avulsion fracture which is the same surgery that Drew Brees had just a couple of years ago. So we anticipate him missing I’m going to say the first two games and we’re hopeful we get him back for Week 3. He’ll be in a cast in a couple of weeks as that thing grows back together and he’ll start the rehab process.”
Anthony Richardson won the starting quarterback job in the spring but Miller had locked down and maintained the backup role. The Ohio State transfer had made progress since the spring game where he went 13-23 for 121 yards and one interception.
“Jack Miller also has done extremely well being. Very pleased with Jack,” Napier said of Miller prior to the injury. “I thought he did some really good things, so you know, in this setting, at quarterback, you’re dependent on the players around you know, the offensive line, the tight ends and running backs, receivers. Jack’s very capable, you know, and I would say this going all the way back to spring. He’s moved our team, you know, understanding the spring game, he threw a couple of interceptions and all that. But he’s consistently made the right decision.”
What is Miller’s injury?
Napier compared Miller’s injury to one Drew Brees had in 2019. That injury is commonly known as “skier’s thumb” or regionally “gamekeeper’s thumb.” An injury to the ulnar collateral ligament. This ligament is at the base of the thumb on the side near the pointer (index) finger. It helps keep the thumb stable when grasping or pinching objects, such as gripping and holding a football.
The typical timetable for recovery following surgery is 5-6 weeks. Miller had surgery last week, which, following that timetable, would certainly keep him out for at least the first two games if not more.
Miller is currently in a cast, which will prohibit him from working out or practicing. Without Miller in the fold, the Gators have just three scholarship quarterbacks available. Richardson will be the Gators’ starter but after that, Florida doesn’t have a backup in place.
Redshirt freshman Jalen Kitna returned to action after missing more than a week with a knee injury. Walk on Kyle Engel has also looked good in practice and could be an option. When Miller comes back he’ll certainly resume that role, but for at least two games the Gators will need to find a backup to Richardson.
