UF defensive end Jermaine Cunningham practiced Wednesday after missing all of Tuesday's practice with a hyperextended knee.
Gators coach Urban Meyer said he expects the junior will play in Saturday's game against Mississippi.
Junior linebacker Ryan Stamper did not practice again Wednesday. A sprained ankle has kept him sidelined, though Meyer believes Stamper should also be ready for Saturday.
"He was out there, he was doing his steps and everything," Meyer said. "He's a tough nut. I'm thinking they both should be ready, I'm hoping."
BACKUP BLUES: UF quarterback Tim Tebow took every snap for the Gators against Miami and Tennessee, but Meyer wants to get his backups more involved against Mississippi.
Sophomore Cameron Newton is still banged up with an ankle sprain, and Meyer said that affects his mobility.
"Cameron's gimped up a little bit," Meyer said. "He's not right. He obviously can't perform, because a big part of his game is moving around."
Redshirt freshman John Brantley, on the other hand, looks good to get some snaps. Meyer said he would like Brantley to play in the game, though he does not have a specific time he wants Brantley to go in.
NO TIME FOR YOUTH: Along with the backup quarterbacks not seeing much time on the field, Meyer admitted he's upset the freshmen are not getting chances to shine.
"It's probably something I've got to do a better job of, getting guys in the game," Meyer said.
True freshmen Janoris Jenkins, Matt Patchan, Jeff Demps and Will Hill have been the leading youngsters on the team. But in close situations, Meyer said he prefers to go with older players because he trusts them.
"I'm paranoid … (that if) there's still a chance of something bad happening, I've got my best guys on the field," Meyer said.
ETC: Meyer said freshman cornerback Jeremy Brown is a "redshirt candidate" because of a significant back injury, and added Brown would likely be playing if not for the injury.
