Gators Limping Their Way To Senior Day

The Florida Gators will be hobbling their way to the sidelines this Saturday when they take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Swamp. Florida coach Jim McElwain had quite the injury update this week after it seemed like an astonishing amount of players became injured during last weekend’s loss to Arkansas. It is now projected that five starters will miss Senior Day on Saturday. It was announced on Monday that quarterback Luke Del Rio will not practice nor play this week due to a shoulder injury he suffered during the second half against the Razorbacks. McElwain confirmed today Purdue transfer Austin Appleby will be the starter for this weekend’s game and freshman Feleipe Franks will be the back up.  

God is working in my life!

— Coach Austin Appleby (@AAppleby12) November 2, 2016

Along with the Gator quarterback switch, many other young players will get the chance to see the field due to other injuries the team is facing. Center Cam Dillard has officially been ruled out for this week after one of his own lineman fell on his leg during last weekend’s game. On defense, linebackers Jarrad Davis and Alex Anzalone will not play. Anzalone has a broken arm and Davis re-aggravated his sprained ankle last weekend. New additions were made to the injury list today. Defensive end CeCe Jefferson is also expected to not play against South Caroline due to a foot injury. McElwain seemed to have the next man up mentality to fight all of these injuries; he says it is a fantastic opportunity for some other guys to get some game action.

Some photos of freshman QB Feleipe Franks at #Gators practice Wednesday. He'll back-up Austin Appleby this week vs. #Gamecocks. pic.twitter.com/7K5noHaaUQ

— Ryan Young (@RyanYoungRivals) November 9, 2016

The injury report did not carry all bad news however. Receivers Chris Thompson and Tyrie Cleveland should both be able to play despite the injuries they suffered against Arkansas. Listen here to Coach McElwain’s full injury report.

The Gators and Gamecocks will face off at noon at Florida Field on Saturday. South Carolina coach Will Muschamp will look across the field during Senior Day ceremonies at the players he  recruited to Florida during his head coaching time for the Gators. The game will be aired on SEC Network and you can listen live to the game as well on ESPN Gainesville 95.3 FM and AM 850 WRUF.