Billy Napier: Gators WR Caleb Douglas Out 4-6 Weeks
Gators wide receiver Caleb Douglas will miss "four-to-six weeks" of action due to a lower leg injury he suffered in Florida's 33-14 loss to Kentucky, head coach Billy Napier said on Monday.
Douglas' timeline coincides with the one Napier projected post-game, saying the talented wideout would miss "a significant chunk of time."
The injury Douglas sustained came on a 34-yard reception that set Florida up at the one-yard line late in the second quarter as he was rolled up on during the tackle.
Quarterback Graham Mertz found tight end Hayden Hansen two plays later to give the Gators their first score of the afternoon, trimming the Wildcats lead to 16 heading into the halftime break, 23-16.
The sophomore pass catcher has served as the starting X-receiver in all five games this season and currently ranks second among Florida wideouts in passing snaps with 121 on the year, accounting for 11 catches, 133 yards and one touchdown in those appearances.
His absence creates a notable void in an already thin Gators wide receiver corps.
In the Missouri City, Texas, native's absence, Florida will look to true freshman Andy Jean and redshirt sophomore Marcus Burke to fill the role, joining the likes of Ricky Pearsall, Kahleil Jackson and Eugene Wilson III — who have each controlled starting duties in 2023.
"Andy's opportunities, his opportunities have been increasing because he's been preparing better, showing a better grasp, practicing better, more efficient, more productive, performing in practice," Napier described Jean on Monday. "We've been playing him here the last couple of weeks as a result of that. Andy's role will definitely grow here. It was good to see him be able to execute and to get some experience. I think that's going to help his confidence. You can just see it. He got a chance to play in the Charlotte game and experience some success.
"Sometimes a young, talented player, when they experience some success, that kind of fuels the fire, and then they show up to practice a little bit different, right? We've got a number of players that are like that. Andy's a good example."
Jean has accounted for five receptions and 65 yards in three appearances as a rookie for UF.
On the other hand, Burke is expected back in the rotation after dealing with his own bumps and bruises of late, per Napier.
Against Utah, despite the loss, Burke flashed his prowess as a reliable deep threat with two receptions for 61 yards, presenting a notable spark to Florida's passing game.
On Saturday, the Gators will embark on their first contest without Douglas in the fold as Florida takes on Vanderbilt in The Swamp.
Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and recruiting. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and All Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook.
Get your Gators football, basketball, baseball and other sporting events tickets from SI Tickets here.
