Florida’s Wednesday availability report didn’t bring much optimism for Vernell Brown III.
The Gators wide receiver, who has now missed four straight games with a knee injury, is doubtful for Saturday’s matchup with Oklahoma. That leaves him with a 25 percent chance to play. Brown III had been lined up to return last week against Georgia, but a late-week setback in practice pushed that comeback back again.
Head coach Jon Sumrall addressed the noise around Brown III’s status on Monday in what he called the “official VBIII statement.” Brown III has been the target of social media theories suggesting he was choosing not to play, and Sumrall pushed back hard on that idea.
"He wants to play. He's doing everything he can to play," he said.
"He's pissed off he can't play, and he's doing everything in his power to play. It's a real injury that we thought we were on the other side of that he had a setback last week, and it sucks.
I mean, it freaking sucks for him. It sucks for the team because he helps our team be better.
He wants to play. He's doing everything in his power to play football."
Sumrall also said Brown III had a non-surgical procedure on Monday to address the injury. On3’s Zach Abolverdi had previously reported that Brown III had his knee drained on Thursday of last week.
Brown III’s situation has bounced around for weeks, with his status shifting from doubtful to probable to game-time decision before he was ultimately ruled out for Florida’s last four games. Sumrall’s comments on Monday offered the clearest explanation yet for why the sophomore has remained sidelined.
"It sucks," Sumrall said. "It sucks for him.
He's working like hell to try to get back. He's frustrated."
Brown III is one of several Florida players listed on the report. Linebacker Jaden Robinson, offensive lineman Emeka Ugorji and tight end Evan Chieca are out, while wide receiver Bailey Stockton and defensive lineman Emmanuel Oyebadejo are questionable.
Defensive lineman Jeramiah McCloud is also on the report because of a suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team.” A team spokesperson said his status for the rest of the season will be reevaluated after Saturday.
Florida will release updated availability reports on Thursday and Friday around 8:10 p.m. ET, followed by a game day report on Saturday at approximately 6:15 p.m. ET.
In Other News...
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Florida States coaching search has already turned into one of the more interesting storylines in the state, and it has a name Gators fans know well. Buster Faulkner, Floridas offensive coordinator, has surfaced as an intriguing candidate after the Seminoles fired Mike Norvell, a reminder that his rise in coaching has put him on the radar beyond Gainesville. His background is rooted in offense, and that alone makes him a logical fit for a program looking to reset its identity.
For Florida fans, the possibility is awkward in the way rival business often is. Faulkner has not been a head coach before, but Florida States next hire will have to navigate more than just play-calling, with financial limitations and a major rebuild waiting for whoever takes over. If the Seminoles decide to push in that direction, it would create an unusual subplot in the rivalry and leave Gators supporters watching a familiar assistant through a very different lens. [Read more 🡒]
Florida Suddenly Has A Depth Problem Ahead Of Oklahoma
Floridas availability picture for Oklahoma took a hit this week, and the early report made the Gators depth concerns hard to miss. Seven players showed up on the initial list, including wide receiver Vernell Brown III as doubtful and four others already ruled out, leaving Florida to sort through its rotation with another SEC test looming.
Jon Sumrall also offered an update on Browns injury status, saying the receiver is still pushing to get back after a recent setback. The other notable absence is defensive lineman Jeramiah McCloud, who is suspended for conduct detrimental to the team and will have his status re-evaluated after the game, adding one more layer of uncertainty to a roster already running thin. [Read more 🡒]
Florida's QB Search Just Took A Tense Turn Before Oklahoma
Floridas quarterback picture appears to have come into focus at just the right time, with Tramell Jones Jr. expected to get the nod against Oklahoma. Head coach Jon Sumrall said Jones and Aaron Philo battled for the job in practice, a competition that underscored how unsettled the position had been heading into a game with real stakes.
Jones has seen action in seven games this season, giving Florida a familiar option as it prepares for a tough matchup. Philo, who has started seven games, was in the mix as well before a shoulder injury complicated the race and left the Gators with a decision that now points toward Jones taking the first snap. [Read more 🡒]