Urban Meyer, Florida
Gators coach Urban Meyer isn't sure yet if the team's bye week came at a good or bad time, but he knows that the time will go a long way towards trimming the injury list.
"It's five minutes to kickoff (last week) and we're told we don't have any running backs available to play," Meyer said. "Jeff Demps wasn't really ready to go, Emmanuel Moody wasn't ready and Mike Gillislee wasn't really ready to go."
Meyer also said Andre Debose will not practice this week, but the hope is that he can test his severely sprained ankle next week. Recently unsuspended receiver Chris Rainey is available to play in the team's next game against Georgia and could play some emergency running back if Demps (foot), Moody (quad) or Gillislee (hamstring) aren't ready to go.
A few other injuries will have time to heal in the off week. Jelani Jenkins (concussion) did not practice on Tuesday, but is expected to go later in the week. Kicker Caleb Sturgis is showing signs of improvement and could practice before the team's next game. Offensive lineman Matt Patchan has also been cleared and only has to jump the hurdle of passing his strength test to show he's ready to take the field again after a long layoff.
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Getting a few of those players back could go a long way in solving some of the problems that the team has faced in the last three weeks.
"We have not had a running back have a big play since South Florida," Meyer said. "Passing efficient is something that we've always been one of the best in the country in, and we're really low in that. And certainly turnovers (are a problem).
"One-third of our drives end in a punt, one-third in a turnover and one-third in a score or missed field goal. That's not going to cut it."
Record: 4-3 (2-3 SEC)
Last Game: Lost vs. Mississippi State, 10-7
Next Game: Bye week
