Florida could regain two key offensive contributors ahead of Saturday's rivalry showdown against No. 3 Georgia. Aaron Philo and Vernell Brown III are making encouraging progress in their injury recoveries.
Both Philo and Brown practiced Monday, with Jon Sumrall noting at Monday's press conference that both players are trending toward availability against Georgia. He did clarify that their participation does not guarantee they will play.
Philo is recovering from a throwing shoulder injury suffered during Florida's Week 5 loss to South Carolina, causing him to miss the team's 27-24 upset victory over Texas, in which Tramell Jones Jr. took over in relief of the Georgia Tech transfer. Jon Sumrall clarified that the quarterback could've entered the game
in an emergency situation.
"Both guys are available; I believe in both guys," said Sumrall. "Not going to name a starter today — I know that's been a big point of conversation. We need both those guys to be ready to play, that's what I'll say, and I do believe in both of them being ready to play."
Brown is recovering from a knee injury sustained against Ole Miss on Sept. 26, which caused him to miss three consecutive games. The Orlando, Florida, native's return could boost a Buster Faulkner offense that has struggled to generate explosive plays in the last several weeks.
Prior to his injury, Brown hauled in 17 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns to go along with two punt-return touchdowns.
"VB looks really good. Practiced last week, practiced today; today is an hour-ish long run-through for us. But he looks normal to me," Sumrall added.
Jones is also dealing with injuries sustained in his first career start against the Longhorns but is expected to be available on Saturday. Jones completed 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions in Austin.
Florida's quarterback situation for Saturday remains unsettled, with Sumrall planning to evaluate both Philo and Jones before making a decision later in the week.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida gets encouraging update on Aaron Philo, Vernell Brown III
