Billy Napier announces Montrell Johnson's injury status vs. Miami

When Florida takes the field for Saturday’s opener against Miami, Montrell Johnson will be a full go. Billy Napier confirmed the Gators’ starting running back would be back on the field without limitation, and he appeared on the depth chart ahead of the matchup.

Johnson underwent a scope after suffering a knee injury earlier in training camp, and Napier said he’d be “week to week” as a result. He seemed to be progressing well as the first game approached and will now be ready to roll at The Swamp on Saturday night.

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Johnson led Florida in rushing each of the last two seasons, including 817 yards and five touchdowns a year ago, and appears poised for another big year in 2024. He split carries with Trevor Etienne in 2022 and 2023, but with Etienne now at Georgia, could be in line for more work as a junior.

Florida was already preparing for some new looks at running back after Etienne’s departure, and that could help with a plan if Johnson has to miss more time than expected. That includes sophomore Treyaun Webb, who On3 and Gators Online’s Zach Abolverdi said could be the “next guy up” for the Gators if necessary.

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Napier said Webb looked good in camp, as well, along with the other running backs on the roster. He has confidence in that room, and that’s sure to continue as Montrell Johnson gets back into the fold.

“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,” Napier said. “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 [Jackson] and KD [Daniels] 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.”