Xzavier Henderson out for Gators this week vs. Vanderbilt
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators will be without their leading receiver this weekend on the road against Vanderbilt. Xzavier Henderson was listed as “OUT” on the depth chart that was released on Wednesday night.
Henderson was listed as out with a lower body injury. Henderson has started in all 10 games for the Gators this season. He leads the team with 38 receptions and is third on the team with 410 yards. His two receiving touchdowns are tied with Justin Shorter for second on the team.
“My role has definitely increased a lot. Since the new coaching staff as well,” Henderson said prior to the Texas A&M game. “I kind of knew coming into this season that I was going to have to step up, that I was getting kind of older. Yeah, I’ve just been practicing hard, and it’s starting to show.”
The Gators are finishing their SEC schedule this weekend in Nashville. Florida will face Vanderbilt, who just recorded its first conference win since 2019. The Dores beat Kentucky last week 24-21. Florida has a 43-10-2 record.
Henderson out, Shorter in
Justin Shorter will make his return this week. The receiver has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. In his place the Gators have gotten contributions from Caleb Douglas, Ja’Quavion Fraziars, and Ricky Pearsall.
Without Henderson, Marcus Burke and Daejon Reynolds were elevated on the depth chart. Burke and Reynolds have struggled to get meaningful reps this season but will have the chance this weekend.
![Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier celebrates with Florida Gators wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11) after a touchdown during the first half at the Orange and Blue spring football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://on3static.com/cdn-cgi/image/height=215,width=393,quality=90,fit=cover,gravity=0.5x0.5/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/04/13155133/Untitled-design-65-2.png)