Justin Shorter returns from injury this week against ’Dores
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Justin Shorter will make his return to the field this weekend. The veteran receiver has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury but was removed from the injury report on Wednesday night.
Shorter leads the Gators with 471 receiving yards in just eight games, all starts, this season. He walked last Saturday for senior day but wasn’t able to play in the game.
“He’s been modified in practice. He’s been able to do some things. We’ve kind of got him on a pitch count,” Napier said prior to the South Carolina game. “We’ll see where he’s at some more. But he has done work. He’s worked yesterday. He worked today. We’re just keeping a close eye on him and trying to control the volume.”
He has played in 29 games in his career with the Gators.
Shorter in, two other receivers out
Shorter being able to return will make up for the losses of Ja’Quavion Fraziars and Xzavier Henderson. Fraziars caught his first touchdown of the season on the road at Texas A&M while filling in for a missing Shorter. Henderson leads the Gators in receptions this season and will miss the game with an ankle injury.
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This week Marcus Burke and Daejon Reynolds were elevated on the depth chart to fill in for the missing Henderson.
Caleb Douglas has also played more in the absence of Shorter. The true freshman from Texas caught his first touchdown pass and has been making strides as the season goes on.
“I think he’s a good young player that has some — he has the traits, he has the movements, he has the intangibles. I think it’s the skill level’s still developing. But I think he’s got the right makeup and certainly, he’ll benefit from the experience,” Napier said. “Talk about a guy that played quarterback up until a couple of games into that junior year. So, I think he’s got the traits to develop there. KC’s done a nice job with him and, you know, I see him up here all the time. You know, he’s the right kind of kid.”
Full injury report
Ja’Quavion Fraziars (shoulder) – OUT
Xzavier Henderson (ankle) – OUT
Devin Moore (shoulder) – OUT
Trey Smack (lower body) – OUT
Marco Ortiz (shoulder) – OUT (entered transfer portal)
Complete Depth chart
