The Gators’ offense has lacked explosiveness this season, but Saturday it will add a playmaker to its arsenal.
Coach Urban Meyer announced Thursday that junior Chris Rainey will play against Georgia. Rainey had been suspended the previous five games after an aggravated stalking arrest on Sept. 14. Meyer ruled the big-play threat eligible for this week’s game on Monday, but he waited to see if Rainey could meet all of his behavioral obligations before deciding if he would play.
Rainey completed them all “and beyond,” according to Meyer.
Before the wide receiver was arrested, he caught six balls for 34 yards in two games. However, Florida doesn’t just plan to use Rainey on the outside. UF will also utilize him in the backfield. He played running back in his first two seasons as a Gator.
“It’s going to be probably 50-50 (between the two positions),” Meyer said. “We like to do a lot of two-back things. [Rainey] will be the second one. A little bit like we did with Omarius Hines last game.”
Running game coming together: Injuries have derailed Florida’s rushing attack this season, but the Gators are hoping their stable of backs can heal up in time to get back on track Saturday.
Running back Jeff Demps, who has been limited the past four games with a sprained foot, is inching closer to a full recovery.
“It’s the best he has been in five weeks,” Meyer said. “I would say he is not 100 percent yet, but I’m hoping he’ll be 100 percent at game time.”
A healthy Demps would mean a lot to UF’s struggling offense. The running backs have not broken a run longer than 19 yards in the last five games. Demps tallied three runs longer than that in the first two games of the season before he suffered the injury against Tennessee.
He won’t be alone, however. Meyer declared running backs Mike Gillislee (hamstring) and Emmanuel Moody (thigh bruise) 100 percent for Saturday’s game.
Sturgis won’t play: Florida began the week hopeful that kicker Caleb Sturgis could play against Georgia.
But Meyer ruled Sturgis out for Saturday’s game after the junior experienced back pain following Wednesday’s practice. Sturgis is suffering from a hairline fracture of the vertebra.
Punter Chas Henry will fill in and kick field goals for the third straight game. Meyer said Henry’s limit this week will be from 45 yards out.
Injuries: Defensive tackle Jaye Howard and wide receiver Andre Debose will be limited Saturday with ankle injuries. Also, cornerback Moses Jenkins (elbow) will be available to play for the first time since the season-opener.
But the news was not as good with offensive lineman Matt Patchan, who has yet to see the field this season with a wrist injury. Patchan will not play against Georgia.
