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Florida to Start Philo Against Georgia Despite Shoulder Injury

3:39 PM ETConfirmedShare on

Sports Desk

In Short: No. 17 Florida will start quarterback Aaron Philo against No. 3 Georgia in the SEC rivalry game, despite his shoulder injury.

Florida head coach Billy Napier announced that Aaron Philo will start against Georgia, despite the quarterback's shoulder injury, in a game that has been dubbed 'The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.'

Philo's availability and effectiveness are uncertain due to his shoulder injury, while backup Tramell Jones Jr. Is also managing unspecified injuries.

Philo took the majority of first-team snaps in practice this week and will resume his starting job despite leading Florida to consecutive losses and struggling in recent games.

Despite the mixed opinions, both Fox News and Onlygators agree that the decision would come down to the health of the quarterbacks.

Philo missed Florida’s last game, a win over previously No. 10 South Carolina, due to his shoulder injury.

Sumrall said Monday that while Philo and Jones could share the field on any given play, there are no plans to alternate quarterbacks unless a performance issue arises.

Sumrall declined to provide specifics on Jones’ injury, only saying he has been dealing with 'a couple of bumps and bruises' since beating the Longhorns.

Vernell Brown III, a speedy receiver, is expected to return for the first time in more than a month, bolstering Philo's chances.

What this adds

Background

What's confirmed

• No. 17 Florida plans to start Aaron Philo against No. 3 Georgia in Saturday’s rivalry game in Atlanta, though the quarterback decision remained unofficial Friday.
• Philo’s availability and effectiveness—and whether Jones is needed—could shape the Gators’ chances against the third-ranked Bulldogs.
• Philo’s shoulder and Jones’ undisclosed bumps and bruises leave Florida’s quarterback situation uncertain.
• No. 17 Florida will start quarterback Aaron Philo against third-ranked Georgia in the Southeastern Conference rivalry known as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party."
• They split repetitions in practice all week, and Sumrall said the decision would come down to “health and availability.” Florida quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Oct.
• Sumrall declined to provide specifics on Jones’ injury, only saying he has been dealing with “a couple of bumps and bruises” since beating the Longhorns.
• “I’ve said the whole time I think we can win with either guy,” Sumrall said.
• Philo should have speedy receiver Vernell Brown III back for the first time in more than a month.
• Philo took the majority of first-team snaps in practice this week and will resume his starting job despite leading Florida to consecutive losses and struggling while doing so, the decision remains a point of contention among fans.
• Philo was named starter entering the season as Sumrall and Faulkner believed he had better command of the offense and was more capable than Jones of making checks and calls at the line of scrimmage.
• Philo missed Florida’s last game, a win over previously No.

What's still developing

• Philo had gone just 5-of-7 passing for 26 yards, with the two interceptions, before being replaced by Jones in the Georgia game.
• Florida is leaning toward Philo, but the quarterback’s health remains the defining variable in a rivalry game where Jones has already shown he can deliver under pressure.

Sources

• BVM Sportslink
• Bozeman Daily Chroniclelink
• Fox Newslink
• Onlygatorslink
• Post Registerlink
• The Killeen Daily Heraldlink
• Warpbeatlink
• Oskaloosalink
• WarpBeat — background on Florida to Start Philo Against Georgia in SEC Rivalry link
• WarpBeat — background on Florida to Start Aaron Philo Against Georgia in Rivalry Game link
• Stadium and Gale: A Florida Gators Podcast — video link