Oct 15, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) is helped off the field after an apparent injury against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Missouri Tigers 40-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Return Of The Gators?

ATLANTA, Ga.—To kick off the SEC Football Championship weekend, Florida head coach Jim McElwain addressed a img_5285room full of reporters before heading out to practice on Friday. With a room full a reporters comes questions about potential coaching job vacancies, reuniting with Alabama’s Nick Saban, and injuries—of course.

The Gators have been bitten by the injury bug all season long. So, now that the season is quickly winding down and they have reach the ultimate game for an SEC–everyone wants to know who is playing in the biggest game of the season and who is not.

Bryan Cox Jr.—Was seen participating without a boot on his foot during Friday’s practice for the first time in three weeks.

C’YONTAI LEWIS–Has also been out with an ankle injury, was seen moving around and in high spirits during Friday’s practice.

DUKE DAWSON—On Wednesday, Dawson did not look good back in Gainesville and, in the Georgia Dome, was not seen being involved in the preparation for the big match up against Alabama.

JARRAD DAVIS—Initially he injured his ankle against the Missouri Tigers, but returned to play against rival Georgia. Then against Arkansas, he injured his other ankle. The linebacker went out for drills and warmups against Florida State, but never entered the game. Davis was seen Friday practicing with his Gators in the Georgia Dome.

Oh, there’s no doubt about it. Yeah, I expect him to play. There’s certain guys that you coach and you’re around as your career goes on, he’s one of those guys that, if there’s even a little opportunity, he’s going to do everything he can to be out there. Part of him coming back to school, helping himself as he goes, getting his degree as he promised his mother, was to come back and be a part of a championship team, and he’s going to be a part of that, and that’s what’s great.–Jim McElwain.

 

Florida will still be without the services of defensive lineman Jordan Sherit, quarterback Luke Del Rio, linebacker Alex Anzalone and defensive backs Nick Washington and Marcus Maye.   Also, linebacker Daniel McMillian is questionable for the game as well.

Florida and Alabama meet up in the SEC Championship Game for the Georgia Dome’s farewell. Kick-off is set from Atlanta at 4PM and coverage on ESPN 98.1 FM and AM 850 WRUF starts at noon.

About Darwin Patterson

A senior at the University of Florida reporting on Gator sports, local Gainesville and surrounding area sports, and telling the stories of local athletes. Born and raised in Gainesville, Florida with a passion for telling people's stories and having fun doing it.

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