Florida Gators injury updates: WR Eugene Wilson III, DL Joey Slackman undergo surgery, per reports

Football

0

Image Credit: UAA

As if the Florida Gators’ play through three weeks of the 2024 college football season was not concerning enough, the team will now play at least the next few weeks without two of its best players. Sophomore wide receiver Eugene Wilson III and redshirt senior defensive lineman Joey Slackman both underwent surgery this week to repair nagging injuries, according to multiple reports.

Wilson was injured during Florida’s 45-7 win over Samford, but after returning to practice last week, he was listed as a “game-time decision” against Texas A&M. He missed that contest and was listed as “out” for this week’s game at Mississippi State on the first weekly injury report released Wednesday night.

Slackman missed the Samford game and did not return against the Aggies. He reportedly underwent an arthroscopic procedure on a torn meniscus that usually requires at least two weeks of rehabilitation, though he could be sidelined much longer. Details were not provided about Wilson’s surgery, though based on the terminology used — and the fact that he nearly played against TAMU — it was likely an arthroscopic procedure was also performed on him.

Head coach Billy Napier will likely provide further information about both players when he next speaks Saturday afternoon.

Senior wide receivers Elijhah Badger and Chimere Dike stepped up last week in Wilson’s absence after already stepping up for senior Ja’Quavion Fraziars and redshirt junior Kahleil Jackson, who are also injured. Redshirt freshman Aidan Mizell took a few additional snaps replacing Wilson on some of sweeps and plays that utilize additional speed for proper execution. Still, Wilson’s overall speed and agility will be sorely missed by a Gators offense that needs as many weapons as possible.

“We’re definitely a better team with Tre Wilson, for sure,” Napier said Wednesday, but I do think Dike and Badger, in particular, stepped up in a major way. … We’ve got to continue to create ways to get the ball to the best players. Last week, it’s a heck of a week for Dike and Badger. I thought they did a good job. Who’s the third? I think that’s the question mark. I think those guys will have a little opportunity this week.”

Slackman was arguably the player most praised by Napier this offseason, and it appeared as if he would make a significant impact on the defensive front. Florida is now suddenly down three defensive linemen with redshirt sophomore Jamari Lyons out for the season and freshman Michai Boireau out indefinitely.

The Gators are also hobbled significantly in the secondary. Redshirt senior safety Asa Turner, who was supposed to sure up the back end, suffered a non-contact injury late against Miami and has been out since. Sophomore Ja’Keem Jackson and redshirt freshman Aaron Gates will also miss Saturday’s game.