Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
With the first game of the season less than a month away, Florida Gator fans were beginning to feel that excitement we all feel when football season is near. On Thursday, some of that excitement dwindled for Florida fans when head coach Will Muschamp announced a number of illnesses and injuries that have recently struck several players on the team.
Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel underwent surgery, an appendectomy to be exact, on Tuesday and will miss about two weeks of practice at most. Because Driskel is tough, Muschamp believes his recovery time may fall just short of the two week period. Running back Matt Jones is out indefinitely with a serious viral infection, leaving the Gators with redshirt junior Mack Brown to turn to during fall camp.
There are a few injuries Muschamp revealed on offense. Senior offensive lineman Jon Halapio suffered a partial pectoral tear. No surgery is required, but Muschamp is uncertain when he will return. Redshirt junior Max Garcia has a continuous back injury and is meeting with a doctor next week to determine when he is able to play again. Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Trip Thurman had surgery on his shoulder this past spring. Muschamp thinks he will be cleared to play after he meets with doctors in a couple weeks. On defense, freshman Jordan Sherit had ACL surgery last fall and could be cleared to play by the end of August.
These injuries and other medical issues aren’t a good look for the start of Florida’s football season. Muschamp doesn’t seem too troubled by the possibility of the injuries affecting the outcome of the 2013 season. He is more concerned with keeping his players in good physical shape.
