When right guard Jon Halapio fell to his knees during the first quarter against Tennessee on Saturday, it appeared as if the redshirt senior had re-aggravated the partially torn pectoral muscle that caused him to miss Florida’s first two games of the season.
Luckily for the Gators, Halapio’s injury was less serious. He suffered a gash near his eye that required three stitches but was able to return to the game wearing a protective mask and help No. 19 Florida beat Tennessee 31-17.
“I thought it was his [pectoral muscle],” coach Will Muschamp said. “I went on the field, and I looked up, and he was bleeding out of his eye.”
Halapio is expected to be available for Florida against Kentucky on Saturday at 7 p.m. Prior to sitting out against Toledo and Miami, the right guard had suited up in 27 consecutive games for UF — the most by any active player.
“I wish we had more (players like Halapio),” Muschamp said. “He’s a typical throwback. … He’s playing through a lot of pain, probably. He won’t tell me, but I know he is.”
Leon Orr (shoulder), Marcus Roberson (knee), Loucheiz Purifoy (thigh contusion) and Tyler Moore (ankle) are also likely to play against the Wildcats.
The news is not as promising for Valdez Showers (ankle), who is ruled doubtful for the game. Colin Thompson will be out 1-2 weeks after developing a stress fracture in his foot.
“I’m disappointed for Colin,” Muschamp said. “He was really starting to progress and do well for us.”
Special teams troubles: A year removed from being named a finalist for the Ray Guy Award — given annually to the nation’s best punter — Kyle Christy could soon find himself without a job.
The junior led the Southeastern Conference and set a school record by averaging 45.8 yards per punt in 2012, but he has not been nearly as effective this season.
Florida is eighth in the SEC with a net average of 38.1 yards per punt. Muschamp said on Monday that freshman Johnny Townsend would be considered for the job.
“We’ll pull the redshirt off Johnny if we need to,” Muschamp said. “We need to get more production at the punter position.”
Muschamp has been equally frustrated with Florida’s kicking woes.
Austin Hardin is just 3 of 5 on field goal tries — the redshirt freshman missed a 39-yard attempt against Toledo and a 41-yarder against Tennessee — leaving Muschamp uninspired.
As a result, senior Brad Phillips, who suffered a hamstring injury during training camp, will be given a chance.
“I’m going to give Brad some live looks this week in practice and see how he responds,” Muschamp said.
Sophomore honored: After turning in a subpar performance against Miami on Sept. 7, Buck linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. was unstoppable against Tennessee.
The sophomore forced two fumbles, one of which he recovered to end Tennessee’s opening possession, and had three tackles for loss, including one sack. Because of his performance, Fowler was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week.
“I just wanted to come out and play fast,” Fowler said.
Follow Phillip Heilman on Twitter @phillip_heilman.
Kyle Christy punts the ball during Florida’s 31-17 victory against Tennessee on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
