The last two weeks Jim McElwain injury updates have grown into a roll call of most of his starting 22. On Wednesday, however, McElwain had encouraging news about CeCe Jefferson and Tyler Jordan.
Jefferson (foot) missed the South Carolina game last week but has been able to practice this week leading up to Florida’s game with LSU.
“It looks like CeCe’s going to make a run to go, which is great to see,” McElwain said. “Just can’t tell you how excited I am about that.”
Jefferson’s absence was noted. Jefferson has 19 tackles this season and is eighth on the team with three tackles for a loss. He’s played better since moving back to defensive end after starting the year playing defensive tackle.
“CeCe’s a true, he’s one of the team leaders, which is rare for a guy of that age. “I think that that’s pretty cool,” McElwain said of Jefferson. “He’s a guy that really wants to play. He’ll do everything he can to get out there. But I do believe that it is a lift, especially where Cox is, we’re going to need that, somebody trying to set the edge. He’ll definitely try to do that.”
Jefferson’s return would be important for the Gators who will be without the aforementioned Bryan Cox Jr. at end facing a LSU offense that wears on defenses.
McElwain was also encouraged with the prognosis for Tyler Jordan (right ankle). Jordan was hurt on the very first play of the game last week against South Carolina. He never returned to the game but was still on the sidelines in his uniform throughout.
Jordan was replacing starting center Cam Dillard (knee), who is once again out this week. T.J. McCoy received extended playing time for the first time in his career in the wake of Jordan’s injury. McCoy played well enough that McElwain isn’t sure how the offensive line will shake out with Jordan coming back.
“Well you know we’ll see. TJ did a good job in the game. Kavaris Harkless did a great job. We love the way Tez played out there. And more than anything what I liked is I liked the energy in which they played the game.
Starting left tackle David Sharpe (ankle) returned to practice on Wednesday and McElwain reported that he took some reps and “had a good look in his eye” but was non-committal on Sharpe’s official status for Saturday.
The Gators may be fine with or without Sharpe. Left guard Martez Ivey played well at left tackle and Kavaris Harkless filled in admirably at left guard.