Florida QB Aaron Philo’s status in question vs. Texas; WR Vernell Brown III has ‘real shot’ to play

Football

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Image Credit: Victoria Riccobono, UAA

While not much has gone right for the Florida Gators after a hot start to the season, the program has remained one of the healthiest in college football, despite a couple of key players being in and out of the week-to-week rotation. That may no longer be the case as junior quarterback Aaron Philo’s “status is in question” entering Saturday’s game against No. 7 Texas, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

Philo’s injury appears to be his shoulder. He was not mentioned as potentially missing the game by head coach Jon Sumrall in his weekly press conference on Monday, but given the reporting, it’s likely that he has taken a back seat in practice this week.

Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner ran Philo 13 times in a loss to South Carolina.

The SEC’s availability report is initially released Wednesday night during the season.

Philo has completed 71% of his passes for 1,341 yards with nine touchdowns passing, three more rushing and three interceptions, though only one of those turnovers (last week) has been his fault. However, he has struggled with consistency over the last two games, particularly against Missouri two weeks ago when he completed just 21 of 34 passes.

Should Philo miss the game, sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. would start for the Gators. Jones has completed 79% of his passes with two touchdowns and two turnovers in mop-up duty this season.

Potentially helping Philo or Jones — along with Florida’s cratering offense — sophomore wide receiver Vernell Brown III (knee) appears to be on track to play.

Sumrall said Brown was moving at about 85% of his top-end speed in practice last Friday, and while the star pass catcher was improving, it was not worth risking his rehabilitation to throw him onto the field against South Carolina.

Brown has been practicing all week and was “the best he’s looked” since injuring his knee during workouts on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who reported that Brown has a “real shot” to play on Saturday.

The Gators went 4-0 with Brown in the lineup this season, showcasing the nation’s best offense to start the season. He only has 271 yards receiving with two touchdowns as a receiver, but he completey changes the dynamic of the offense when on the field. Brown is also a key part of Florida’s special teams unit with two return touchdowns on the campaign.