Florida C Kingsley Eguakun goes to locker room vs. Arkansas

Florida is down another starter in its contest against Arkansas, after entering the game down a handful of starters, most notably on the defensive side of the ball. Just before halftime, starting center Kingsley Eguakun was injured and headed straight to the locker room.

Eguakun did so on his own power.

The veteran starting center has been in and out of the lineup all season with an ankle injury, but he was back in the lineup on Saturday after getting some extra resting time in recent weeks. Unfortunately, he’s once again knocked out of the lineup for the time being.

The good news for the Gators is that backup center Jake Slaughter has gotten plenty of reps this season in Kingsley Eguakun’s absence, so he’ll be able to step in seamlessly.

Florida’s offensive line has started five different combinations up front on the offensive line this season, so the unit is used to having to juggle the lineup.

Unfortunately, Florida was also missing a handful of key defensive players against Arkansas.

UPDATE: Eguakun returned to the game in the first series of the second half, once again working as the team’s starting center.

Jackson, Sapp out for Florida

Two major defensive linemen were ruled out for Florida just hours before the team’s contest on Saturday. Starting defensive tackle Cam Jackson and starting defensive edge player Tyreak Sapp were both ruled out with upper-body injuries.

The absence of the two defensive linemen stings for Florida, particularly in a physical game up front against Arkansas.

Jackson has logged 25 tackles, a half tackle for a loss and a pass breakup, while Sapp has logged 17 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 2.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.

Florida’s defensive line was managing well through the first half, much like its offensive line must now do without Kingsley Eguakun, though the absence of a key Arkansas player also made things easier.

The Razorbacks were playing without leading rusher Rashod Dubinion on Saturday, as Dubinion attended the funeral of his grandmother. But the Hogs were bolstered by the return of Raheim Sanders, the 2022 star in the backfield.

Through the first half, Sanders had run five times for 34 yards in the contest.