Florida Gators redshirt senior quarterback John Brantley, who injured his right leg against the Alabama Crimson Tide late in the second quarter on Saturday and did not return to the game, has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain according to three separate reports from ESPN, the Palm Beach Post and InsidetheGators.com (sub. req.).
Brantley has started every game for Florida since Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow graduated in 2009 and did not miss a single start in 2010 even though he was injured during the year and had his quarterbacking duties split three ways throughout the second half of the season.
The difference between a normal sprained ankle and a high ankle sprain is that the latter consists of torn ligaments in the lower leg (between the tibia and fibula) rather than in the ankle itself. It is typically more severe than a regular sprained ankle (even grade three sprains) and usually takes an extended period of time to fully heal.
Head coach Will Muschamp did not provide much comment about Brantley’s injury after Saturday’s game but promised to provide an update on Monday when he holds his weekly press conference.
Seeing as the Gators have kept most of the players’ injuries close to the vest this season, Muschamp may or may not provide a completely clear picture as to Brantley’s injury and expected recovery period.
Should Brantley be unable to go Saturday, freshman QB Jeff Driskel will make his first start against the No. 1/2 LSU Tigers on Saturday in Baton Rouge, LA. Driskel is 7/16 for 73 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions so far this season.
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