Florida quarterback Aaron Philo’s status uncertain for game at No. 7 Texas
Philo has been limited in practice, according to CBS Sports and the Associated Press. Tramell Jones Jr. could make his first career start if Philo cannot play Saturday.
Florida quarterback Aaron Philo’s availability for Saturday’s game at No. 7 Texas is in doubt after he was limited in practice this week, according to CBS Sports and the Associated Press. The AP, citing a person familiar with the situation, identified a shoulder injury and reported that Philo could miss the game. Sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. could make his first career start if Philo cannot play.
The AP’s source spoke anonymously because Philo and Florida had not publicly disclosed the injury, the news agency reported. That person expected Philo to be listed as questionable on the SEC injury report due later Wednesday. His final availability for Saturday has not been established.
What a Philo absence would mean for Florida
Philo won the starting quarterback job over Jones in training camp, according to the AP. He has completed 70.5% of his passes this season for 1,341 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions. His absence would put a first-time starter in charge of a Florida offense whose coach has said other areas also need to improve.
Florida enters the matchup at 4–2 overall and 2–2 in SEC play, CBS Sports reported. The Gators have lost two straight games, including a 38–19 defeat to South Carolina the previous Saturday. They now face a Texas team ranked No. 7 while preparing for a possible change at quarterback.
Against South Carolina, Philo completed 21 of 28 passes for 227 yards, one touchdown and one interception, according to the AP. He also ran 13 times for 32 yards and was sacked three times. Neither report establishes when he sustained the shoulder injury or how serious it is.
Tramell Jones Jr.’s experience before the Texas game
Jones has appeared in five games this season, completing 23 of 29 passes for 252 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, CBS Sports reported. His game experience has come without a college start, making the trip to Texas a potential first test from the opening series.
His latest appearance came in relief of Philo during the fourth quarter against South Carolina. CBS Sports reported that Jones threw an interception on his first full series, then led a touchdown drive. He finished 6 of 8 for 40 yards.
Coach Jon Sumrall said Jones would receive meaningful practice repetitions during the week, according to CBS Sports. Sumrall expressed confidence that Jones can win games for Florida and said other parts of the offense need to improve. Those preparations give Jones work with the offense while Florida assesses Philo’s availability.
Sources and context
- Florida QB Aaron PhiloCBS Sports
- Florida QB Aaron Philo might not play at No. 7 Texas because of a shoulder injury, AP source saysAssociated Press (republished by Yahoo Sports)
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