Numerous Gators go down with injuries in loss to Arkansas
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One key theme during No. 11 Florida’s 31-10 road loss to Arkansas on Saturday was the number of injuries suffered throughout the contest by both teams.
On the Gators’ side, nine players in the contest – center Cameron Dillard (knee), linebackers Jarrad Davis (ankle) and Alex Anzalone (wrist), wide receiver Chris Thompson (undisclosed), right guard Fred Johnson (undisclosed), linebacker Kylan Johnson (undisclosed), defensive end CeCe Jefferson (ankle), wideout Tyrie Cleveland (leg) and defensive tackle Caleb Brantley (cramps) – went down at different points in the game.
While Jefferson, Brantley and Fred Johnson eventually returned to the game, Dillard, Davis, Anzalone, Thompson and Cleveland “will probably be out,” McElwain said vaguely after Florida’s loss to Arkansas. Kylan Johnson will be back, he added.
Asked whether any of those injuries would be season-ending, McElwain said he didn’t know and that he would have more information for the media on Monday.
Dillard was seen on crutches wearing street clothes after suffering his injury in the first half. In his absence, sophomore right guard Tyler Jordan slid over to center and handled those duties. If Dillard is unable to play next weekend against South Carolina and possibly onward, expect Jordan to work as Florida’s first-string center while Fred Johnson would serve as the starter at right guard. Redshirt freshman T.J. McCoy would then be the No. 2 option at center.
“I feel bad for Cam,” McElwain said. “He was playing really good.”
Late in the game, Anzalone was seen wearing a sling on the sideline. Davis, who played against Georgia and Saturday against Arkansas despite an ankle injury, re-aggravated it against the Razorbacks and could not return to the game. At two different points, trainers rushed over to look at Davis on the field.
If Davis and/or Anzalone are unable to play moving forward, Florida will enter its final three-game stretch of the regular season shorthanded at linebacker, as Daniel McMillian, David Reese, Kylan Johnson and Vosean Joseph would be its top available options. Jeremiah Moon (thumb) is still recovering from thumb surgery, while Rayshad Jackson has played minimal snaps this season.
If Cleveland, who was carted off with his leg elevated during the second half, cannot play next weekend and/or possibly onward, Florida could potentially turn to Ahmad Fulwood or Joshua Hammond to fill his starting role. Freddie Swain’s role in the rotation could also increase, while C.J. Worton (ankle) is currently sidelined.
Thompson’s status moving forward also seems unclear. If he cannot go, freshman running back Lamical Perine would likely be the Gators’ top option at kickoff returner.
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