Billy Napier says Jack Miller is cleared to play, has not taken reps

Florida coach Billy Napier has had to work around some serious limitations in his first year with the program, not the least of which has been a quarterback depth chart seriously hampered by a Jack Miller injury.

The Ohio State quarterback transfer looked like the sure favorite to back up starting quarterback Anthony Richardson coming out of spring practice, but he suffered a thumb injury that required surgery early in fall camp. He has yet to play in 2022, though he has finally been cleared to return to action.

Miller was listed as the third-string quarterback on the team’s depth chart for the LSU game this week, though a local reporter errantly asked Napier about him being the backup once again.

“I don’t know that he’s back at No. 2, but he’s available,” Napier said. “I don’t know who’s putting that together. I mean Jack is cleared to participate. In an emergency he could go out there and play, but he hasn’t been able to take reps.”

Miller is just starting to get back into the swing of things at practice.

The Gators could certainly use him, as it’s been a tricky balance for Napier and his offensive staff when it comes to Richardson’s usage without a clear, capable backup. Richardson is a huge threat with his legs, but the risk of injury has altered UF’s play-calling at times.

Richardson himself is a bit injury prone. So the sooner Miller is back to full speed the better.

“He’s still very much in that kind of ramping him up (phase) so he’s used to the volume,” Napier said. “But he took another step there, so it’s good. It’s really good.”

Jalen Kitna still Florida’s backup as Jack Miller injury fades

For now, freshman Jalen Kitna remains the team’s backup as the Gators try to put the Jack Miller injury fully behind them. It’s unclear how long it will take Miller to get back into playing condition, but the good news is Kitna has some meaningful experience now.

The freshman quarterback played extensively in the second half of a blowout against Eastern Washington two weeks ago.

Kitna finished 8-of-12 passing for 152 yards with one touchdown, a beautifully lofted deep pass to freshman Caleb Douglas for a 62-yard score. He looked the part.

And though Miller was the team’s preferred backup this offseason, it’s not like he has a plethora of experience himself. Miller went 7-of-14 passing for 101 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in 2021 as a reserve quarterback at Ohio State.

He should get more time to heal over the next two weeks.

After the LSU game this weekend, in which Miller will serve as the emergency third-string backup, Florida has its annual bye week. The Gators and Tigers kick off at 7 p.m. ET Saturday in the Swamp.