Injured Gators Stars Aim for Comeback Against Vols

As the Florida Gators (3-7, 2-5 SEC) prepare to face No. 20 Tennessee on November 22, interim coach Billy Gonzales has provided updates on the status of two key injured players.

Wide receiver Vernell Brown III and defensive tackle Caleb Banks were both listed as game-time decisions for the Gators' recent matchup against No. 7 Ole Miss on November 15. However, neither player ultimately took the field in that game.

Brown, a true freshman who leads the Gators in receptions (33) and receiving yards (473), has missed two of the team's last three games after suffering a shoulder sprain on October 19 against Mississippi State. Despite participating in pregame warmups against Ole Miss, the coach said the plan is to continue trying to get Brown healthy for the next game.

Meanwhile, the 6-6, 330-pound Banks, a preseason All-SEC defensive tackle, has been recovering from a foot injury he sustained in fall camp. Banks underwent surgery on his foot and has only appeared in one game this season, on September 13 against LSU. Gonzales noted that Banks started practicing last week and took around 25 reps in his return to play.

Both Brown and Banks will be closely monitored as the Gators look to pull off an upset against the Volunteers at The Swamp on November 22.