KYLE CURTIS: Gators Injury Update Provides Good News
By KYLE CURTIS
With a little over a week left before kickoff, the Gators are coming into the Utah game with what appears to be a healthy roster. Besides a few players getting banged up along the way, which is expected in spring practice, Florida did not have any serious debilitating injuries during the offseason. The good news mid-week is that Billy Napier saw three starters return, although full status is not yet known.
Here are a few updates on some of the players expected to miss some time along with updates with some guys already back in action.
Ricky Pearsall
When the news broke, Gator nation monitored it closely with enthusiasm. Pearsall has developed nicely since coming to Gainesville from Arizona State and has perhaps emerged as the top wide receiver in an already thin room who can stretch defenses.
The news came out that he had injured his foot and speculation that he could miss significant time turned out wrong. Luckily for Gator nation, Pearsall’s X-rays were negative, and he has returned to practice as a full participant this past week. A major issue evaded for Anthony Richardson and the rest of the Gator offense.
Jack Miller
The biggest injury that occurred during spring practices was to Ohio State transfer quarterback Jack Miller, who had been taking second-team reps all spring and looking sharp before the injury.
Miller broke his thumb, a thumb avulsion fracture, and is expected to miss some game time.
Napier gave an update on Miller’s timetable.
“Jack had a thumb avulsion fracture, which is really the same surgery that Drew Brees had a couple of years ago,” Napier said. “So, we anticipate him missing, I'm going to say the first two games. We’re hopeful that we’ll get him back in Week 3. He’ll be in a cast for a couple of weeks as things start to grow together, and we’ll start the rehab process.”
With this news and Jalen Kitna going down with a minor procedure that left Three-Star true freshman Max Brown and walk-on Kyle Engel to backup Richardson in the meantime. Napier hinted at giving the edge to Engel if anything were to happen.
Jalen Kitna
Two weeks ago, the third-string quarterback underwent a “small procedure” according to Billy Napier.
When addressing Kitna, Napier had nothing but praise for the redshirt freshman.
“I would say Kitna is the player that I probably saw the most growth in from Spring practice,” Napier said. “Just to see him take another step fundamentally, I thought he’s throwing the ball much more consistently, much more accurate, better grasp.”
With progress made, Kitna’s return will be needed.
Other Updates
In good other news, defensive back Jason Marshall Jr. has returned to practice as a full participant along with offensive lineman Ethan White. Both players had been seen in non-contact jerseys prior to this week.
Marshall Jr. brings back his experience and contributes depth to a loaded defensive back room while having White back adds to a very promising offensive line unit for Florida.
Injuries are anticipated and teams are expected to get banged up a little bit in preparation for the season. Napier and his staff seemed to do an excellent job of maintaining the health of the players in their first offseason in the Florida heat.
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