Justin Shorter questionable against Texas A&M
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Gators will be without their top receiver this Saturday in College Station. Justin Shorter has been ruled out of the game with a lower-body injury.
“Minimal (participation in practice). Hamstring. He’s questionable this week. he’s done some things but has been modified,” Napier said. “He’ll be a game-time decision.”
Shorter leads all Gators receivers this season with 471 yards on 21 catches. His 22.43 yard average per catch leads all SEC receivers that qualify. Shorter and Anthony Richardson have had a connection this season on deep passes. The duo have connected on three 40+yard connections, including two 70+ yard touchdowns.
Despite his personal success on the field this season, Shorter has taken a team first approach.
“It’s really everyone. I need 1 and 3 to get open, even the tight ends, too. Everyone has to work together and they give me the opportunities and obviously the quarterback,” Shorter said. “My mindset, I just want to work even harder. Where the ceiling is, I don’t really think I have a ceiling. I just want to really work and that involves bringing up the people around me. I want to bring everyone in that room up and get everyone better and eventually the whole team.”
Fellow receiver Xzavier Henderson spoke with the media Wednesday night. Henderson has the most receptions on the team and will need to be a focal point for the offense this week.
“It’s been important all year for us to pick up that slack,” Henderson said. “”People have really doubted us as a receiver room. So, I feel like there’s a lot of younger guys. We have a lot of talent in that receiver room, and everybody’s going to have to step up eventually. We’re working, and that’s all we can do. Move forward.”
Florida travels to College Station, Texas this week for a noon matchup against the Texas A&M Aggies. Both team are looking for their second SEC win and the Gators are looking for its first road win of the season.
