Florida vs. Tennessee: Gators star CB Kaiir Elam held out with knee injury, per reports

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Image Credit: Twitter / GatorsFB

The Florida Gators’ already banged-up secondary took another significant hit Saturday as junior cornerback Kaiir Elam has been ruled out for the team’s SEC East rivalry showdown with the Tennessee Volunteers with a knee injury, according to the Orlando Sentinel‘s Edgar Thompson and The Athletic‘s G. Allan Taylor. Elam is not only Florida’s best defensive back who consistently locks down his sideline but arguably the top player on the team.

With Elam sidelined, No. 11 Florida will be down both of its top cornerbacks. Junior Jaydon Hill, who was supposed to start opposite Elam this season, was ruled out for the year with a knee injury in the offseason

Graduate transfer DB Elijah Blades (hamstring) is questionable entering the game after missing the last two contests. He is expected to be cleared to play. Redshirt freshman safety Kamar Wilcoxson has also been ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

Elam’s absence means five-star freshman CB Jason Marshall, Jr. will likely start for the Gators opposite redshirt freshman CB Avery Helm. Blades will also see extended time on the field as long as his hamstring does not act up.

Tennessee, meanwhile, will reportedly start Hendon Hooker at quarterback with Joe Milton, who was injured in Week 2, either sidelined due to injury or coach’s decision. Hooker is considered the more consistent signal caller out of the two and has a better arm. He will likely have an opportunity to connect on some deeper passes Saturday given he will be facing a depleted Florida secondary.