Injured Florida WR Caleb Douglas to Miss 'Significant Chunk of Time'
Gators wide receiver Caleb Douglas is expected to be sidelined for a "significant chunk of time" due to a lower-leg injury the sophomore suffered in Florida's 33-14 loss to Kentucky on Saturday, according to head coach Billy Napier.
Napier does not anticipate a need for surgery as Douglas recovers from the hurt.
Douglas went down at the end of a 34-yard reception that set Florida up at its one-yard line. Without Douglas, the Gators managed to score their first touchdown of the game two plays later, via a four-yard pass from quarterback Graham Mertz to tight end Hayden Hansen.
“Caleb is injured. He’ll be out for a significant chunk of time," Napier said after the game. "He’s got a lower leg injury. It’ll be, I think it’s non-surgical but it will be quite a bit of time.”
One of Florida's starting outside receivers, Douglas has occupied a voluminous role in the team's passing offense this season, although his strong snap-share has yet to yield significant production.
Entering Week 5, Douglas ranked No. 2 among UF receivers with 104 passing snaps logged. The next closest pass-catcher, Kahleil Jackson, had 45. Through his limited performance against the Wildcats, Douglas has compiled 11 receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown.
Jackson was listed behind Douglas at wide receiver on Florida's Week 5 depth chart and could be in line to start in Douglas' place moving forward. Freshman Andy Jean, Jackson's backup at the spot, caught four passes for 33 yards against Kentucky and is also likely to factor into replacing Douglas within UF's offense.
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