Florida entered fall camp with the best depth it had seen along the offensive line under Will Muschamp.
But a pair of injuries to proven veterans could result in the Gators again being thin up front.
Junior right tackle Chaz Green is out for the season after suffering a torn labrum, Muschamp announced Monday.
UF will also be without starting right guard Jon Halapio for at least its first two games as he recovers from a partially torn left pectoral muscle suffered during the offseason.
"It’s unfortunate," Muschamp said. "Injuries are part of the game. One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity. We’ll have some guys step up, and they’ll play well."
Green’s injury occurred during practice on Aug. 20 and was not initially thought to be severe. An MRI later revealed that surgery would be required to fix structural damage.
"Really disappointing news with Chaz Green," Muschamp lamented. "Chaz was playing his best football, was playing extremely well."
The pair of injuries jeopardizes Muschamp’s remodeling effort of the offensive line. Since being hired in 2011, he has focused on bolstering the unit he once called soft during his first year. But when Florida opens the season against Toledo on Saturday, the Gators will have just eight healthy offensive linemen.
"That’s why you recruit," Muschamp said. "You have injuries, especially on the offensive line."
According to the depth chart released by UF on Monday, the starting offensive line is D.J. Humphries at left tackle, Max Garcia at left guard, Jon Harrison at center, Kyle Koehne at right guard and Tyler Moore at right tackle.
Reserves Trip Thurman, Ian Silberman and Trenton Brown will be counted on to provide depth behind the starting unit.
"We still feel pretty good about our situation," Muschamp said.
Driskel avoiding hits: Florida was in an enviable position last season with sophomore Jacoby Brissett backing up starting quarterback Jeff Driskel.
The coaching staff thought highly enough of both candidates that the starting quarterback competition dragged into the first week of the regular season. When Driskel won the job, Brissett served as a capable replacement.
But his decision to transfer to N.C. State during the offseason has magnified the importance of Driskel staying healthy throughout the year.
No other quarterback on the UF roster has thrown a pass in a collegiate game.
"I’m going to have to be smart, not take as many hits, get out of bounds when I can and slide when need be," said Driskel, who added that sliding has never been part of his game. "I’m still going to be running the ball, just need to be smart about it."
Muschamp said the coaching staff would look to achieve a balance between what is best for the team and how to ensure Driskel will stay healthy throughout the season.
"He’s a very valuable guy carrying the football," Muschamp said. "We’re going to do what we have to do to win games."
Hardin wins kicking job: Redshirt freshman Austin Hardin was given a leg up on the starting kicker competition when Brad Phillips suffered a hamstring injury during camp.
Hardin was confirmed as the starter Monday, though game results will determine who kicks as the season progresses.
"Brad is a guy that has been in the game before and done it when the lights were on," Muschamp said.
Phillips is 2 for 4 on field goals during his career. Hardin has not attempted a kick.
Follow Phillip Heilman on Twitter @phillip_heilman.
Will Muschamp said Monday that offensive tackle Chaz Green (above) would miss the 2013 season after suffering a torn labrum during an Aug. 20 practice. Green will undergo surgery soon to fix structural damage.
