The Gators will face the top-ranked passing offense in the Southeastern Conference for a second consecutive week on Saturday. However, UF’s pass rush may be without defensive end Dominique Easley.
On Wednesday, coach Will Muschamp updated the condition of Easley’s left knee, which was injured against Tennessee on Saturday. Easley, who has swelling in his knee, has been using crutches this week.
“We’re just trying to stabilize,” Muschamp said. “He’s still got a little swelling on the knee. He’s moving around OK, but at this time I would say questionable for the game.”
Last season, Easley suffered an ACL tear in his left knee during Florida’s 21-7 loss to Florida State on Nov. 26. The injury limited him during fall camp, but he received clearance for contact this season and has started all three games, recording eight tackles, one sack and two quarterback hurries.
If Easley cannot play against Kentucky, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said either Earl Okine or Jonathan Bullard will start at defensive end.
While the Gators received some bad news on Easley’s knee, Will linebacker Jelani Jenkins could potentially return for UF’s game against LSU on Oct. 6.
On Sept. 10, Jenkins underwent surgery to repair a broken right thumb he suffered against Texas A&M.
On Wednesday, Jenkins lifted weights and ran for the first time since the injury, Muschamp said.
“He went to the doctor and they changed his cast,” Muschamp said of Jenkins’ progress. “I want to say in eight days they’re going to pull a pin out of there and take another look at it.”
While Easley and Jenkins will likely return to the lineup within a few weeks, prospects do not look as promising for offensive tackle Matt Patchan. Patchan (strained pectoral muscle) has not played since UF’s loss to FSU last season. Saturday’s game against the Wildcats will be the 31st he has missed due to injury during his UF career.
“I’m not sure when Matt will be back,” Muschamp said.
Purifoy at wide receiver: The Gators want to get the ball in cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy’s hands. He is currently earning reps at wide receiver during practice and appeared at the position against Bowling Green and Texas A&M.
While Purifoy has played primarily defense in his two seasons with UF, that was not the case when he was at Pensacola Pine Forest High.
“I barely played defense (in high school),” Purifoy said. “All I played was offense. So, hey, if I can get the chance to get the ball in my hand, help the team any way possible.”
Purifoy said Muschamp approached him about the possibility of playing wide receiver. Purifoy said that whenever he lines up on offense, it’s “like riding a bike.”
“[Muschamp] was just like, ‘We’re going to try and get the ball in your hands on offense, so go work with coach (Brent) Pease,’” Purifoy said. “[Pease] was kidding around with me at first, saying he needed me just to help a little bit, and I was like, ‘I’m all in. Anything you need.’”
Contact Joe Morgan at joemorgan@alligator.org.
Junior defensive lineman Dominique Easley (2) hypes the team up before running on to the field at Neyland Stadium on Saturday.
