Florida football: Injuries to stars Kadarius Toney, CJ Henderson concern No. 11 Gators

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The No. 11 Florida Gators (2-0) put together a thorough 45-0 win over the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks on Saturday night, but for the second straight season, Florida’s second game of the year came with the potential for major loss due to injury. Juniors athlete Kadarius Toney and cornerback CJ Henderson were both hurt during the game, though according to head coach Dan Mullen, one injury appears to be more serious than the other.

Toney, who was lifted up and planted by a UT-Martin defender in the first half on a play for lost yardage, immediately grabbed his left hand and arm. He went to the injury tent on the sideline and did not return in to the field in the second half.

“Toney they were going to check out a little bit more. His could be …” Mullen said before trailing off.

Henderson, arguably the Gators’ best player, dove for a potential pass breakup in the first half and did not get up off the grass right away. After a few minutes on his back, he limped off the field with the help of two trainers as he struggled to put weight on his left leg.

“They didn’t think CJ’s … From what we learned, from what they gave me, they didn’t think it was much,” Mullen said. “Maybe a slight ankle sprain.”

It was early in Week 2 last season that Florida lost star cornerback Marco Wilson for the season in a home loss to Kentucky.

The Gators are already down multiple backup defensive backs and saw three sit out Saturday’s game; two due to suspension and one because he was not 100 percent due to injuries.

Toney and Henderson are both donning the No. 1 jerseys for Florida this season, becoming the first Gators to hold that distinction since 2015.

“You’ve gotta be a baller to be No. 1,” Mullen told OnlyGators.com on May 8, 2018, ahead of a speaking engagement.

Surely Florida hopes that it can avoid losing two of its ballers for an extended period of time with SEC play forthcoming.