Florida sophomore wide receiver [autotag]Eugene Wilson III[/autotag] and graduate transfer defensive lineman [autotag]Joey Slackman[/autotag] underwent knee surgeries this week, according to Graham Hall of 247Sports.
Wilson entered the season as Florida’s top receiver and has received the most targets (16) of any Gators pass catcher despite playing just two of three games this season.
He was injured during Florida’s Week 2 win over Samford but tried to practice through last week. However, Wilson was ruled inactive after going through pre-game warmups on Saturday.
There is no doubt that Florida is a better team with Wilson on the field. Billy Napier said as much while taking questions on the injury. He also hinted at a fairly short timeline for his return.
“He got hurt during,” Napier said Wednesday. “So, yeah, when that happened I think he woke up the next day, and I think we’ve gotten to the bottom of what it is and all that. So, all good.”
With Wilson out for the foreseeable future, Florida turns to Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger as its primary receivers. Napier said that Aidan Mizell is in contention for that No. 3 spot, but it’s still an open competition at this point.
Joey Slackman undergoes surgery
Slackman had arthroscopic surgery, which is less invasive than other surgeries, on the meniscus of his left knee, according to Hall.
Much was made of Slackman’s addition once he transferred from Penn, but he’s played sparingly for Florida. Slackman has played 51 snaps across two games and recorded four tackles (one assist).
He was a starting defensive tackle in the season opener against Miami but took more snaps at left end as a non-starter in Week 3 against Texas A&M. Slackman didn’t play at all in Week 2 against Samford and is listed as out for the upcoming Mississippi State game.
With true freshman Michai Boireau also out, Florida will turn to Caleb Bank and D’Antre Robinson on the defensive line. Junior college transfers Tarvorise Brown and Brien Taylor Jr. are also options.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.