For a game he’d circled since the moment he committed to Florida, Eric Singleton Jr.’s homecoming to Jordan-Hare Stadium came down to the final minutes before kickoff.

Although Singleton traveled to Auburn with the team, the decision went down to game time; however, Singleton was ultimately ruled out of his return to Jordan-Hare.

Over the past week, speculation has swirled about Singleton’s status after an ankle injury sidelined him early against Florida Atlantic.

Before the Campbell game, Singleton was walking around with a boot; he missed that game. However, Florida coach Jon Sumrall, as recently as Monday, said Singleton was no longer walking with a boot but was still limited in practice.

Sumrall wasn’t willing to rush Singleton back if he wasn’t ready, and this game marks the second consecutive absence.

“We got to be smart tough, not dumb tough,” Sumrall said.

Without Singleton, Florida loses an explosive option that offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner knows well from Singleton’s time at Georgia Tech.

The two years the pair spent with the Yellow Jackets saw Singleton record his best stats, recording more than 700 yards in each of his years at Georgia Tech.

He then transferred to Auburn, where he underperformed, having 200 fewer yards and a career low in yards per reception.

Singleton did, however, record a career-best 58 receptions, showcasing his versatility in the slot.

After Faulkner took the job at Florida, Singleton followed soon after, reuniting the pair after one full season apart.

“Me and Buster [Faulkner] have a tight connection,” Singleton said. “I definitely think he knows how to use me, especially with the two years I had under his wing.”

The Gators may have to wait at least another week for the senior receiver’s return for a proper debut for Florida.