Montrell Johnson injury update: Billy Napier states Florida running back is 'doing fantastic'

Florida RB Montrell Johnson is doing well in his rehab after now missing almost all of fall camp with a knee injury.

Billy Napier provided an update on Johnson’s status during his press conference on Monday. He said Johnson “is doing fantastic” with him steadily going to become a more active participant in practice over time.

“Yeah, so, Montrell is doing fantastic, right,” said Napier.

“He’s been able to do a few things,” Napier continued. “We expect him to be able to participate in practice, whether that’s modified and, at some point, full speed.”

Johnson, the Gators RB1, injured his knee within just the first few days of camp in Gainesville. That left him on a week-to-week basis coming into kickoff after he underwent the routine arthroscopic procedure.

Still, while it was unfortunate to lose him from practice so early into it, Napier noted the effect that it has had on the rest of the running backs for Florida. They’ve each gotten to step up and have some more opportunity for themselves in his absence.

“I do think the four other kids have had fantastic training camps and it is extremely competitive. Like, I couldn’t tell you who’s running out there next right now,” said Napier. “I know Treyaun Webb has game experience and I trust him. He’s by far the best protector, he’s tough, he’s durable, he’s smart. But, also, standing back there behind it, I’m watching Jadan Baugh and Ja’Kobi and KD in these two scrimmages. We feel good about that room, you know.”

“They’re young, they’re inexperienced. It’s important for those players to understand that they have to play without the ball, you know. When it’s third down, you know, and you’re checking your way out and that corner comes from off the outside receiver to the boundary, you’ve got to have good eye discipline,” Napier continued. “Those are some of the lessons that we’ve learned in the last couple of weeks. Those guys will be ready to go when it comes time.”

With the opener nearly here, Florida will want Johnson as soon as they can have him in the backfield. Until then, though, the Gators will have to wait for more from their head coach although it sounds as though there’s some optimism about it right now from Napier.

“We’ll give you an update. Obviously we’re getting ready to turn the page into game week but we’ll give you updates per the timeline up until the game,” said Napier. “We have confidence that Montrell is doing great and feel good about his return.”