The Gators have dealt with their fair share of offensive line injuries to start the 2023 season, making it very difficult to create continuity in a game or practice setting.
“It’s one of the solutions that we’re pursuing to some degree, right? In terms of continuity up front. We haven’t, you know, it’s not just game day where continuity becomes an issue. It’s also in how you practice, who’s available during the week, the mixture of rotations,” Napier said on the offensive line injuries.
Through five weeks of the season, the Gators have been without their starting center Kingsley Eguakun for three games, starting guard Micah Mazzccua for one game (suspension), and starting right tackle Damieon George for one half (suspension). The Gators have also been without offensive lineman Kam Waites for the entire season, who recently returned to the practice field after suffering an Achillies tear in January.
In Florida’s latest week six depth chart, starting left tackle Austin Barber is listed as questionable with a lower a body injury, as is Kingsley Eguakun, who has battled his lower body injury since fall camp. Barber played in all 61 snaps in Florida’s week five game against Kentucky.
“I think that we’ve got some guys that are working their butt off,” Napier said on who would fill in for Barber. “It’s great to have Kam Waites back, Lyndell Hudson has had a really good week, Jordan Herman. You know, there’s a lot of plays out there where he looks like he can be, he’s got a chance,” Napier said on Herman. “He’s got to continue to develop. But I think, you know, Damieon obviously is healthy. So Lyndell, Damieon, Kam will be a factor. Probably, even if Austin was available, Kam Waites, it’s great to have him back. So, those are the players that would be playing at tackle.”
Even if Barber and Eguakun suit up in week six, it’s in Florida’s best interest to keep them healthy so the Gators can create a level of continuity that they haven’t seen this year with the injuries and suspensions.
Florida’s offensive line ranks 70th in pass block and 56th in run block, according to Pro Football Focus.
In total, Florida has six players listed as questionable and three players listed as out for week six, which is the longest the injury report has been this season.
“We’ve got a number of players that have been modified throughout the week,” Napier said. “We’ll be evaluating those guys Thursday, Friday, all the way up until four o’clock. So, and you know, it’s a normal process that we go through. We’re probably more transparent than most. But I do think that, I’ve been pleased with the players that have been able to go, if that makes sense. I’m excited to watch those guys.”
The Gators take on Vanderbilt at 4:00 PM EST inside the Swamp on Saturday.