Gators hit by more bumps and bruises as crucial starter sits

All offseason, the Gators have been taking one step forward, then one step back. Then, when they take two steps forward, it's followed by two steps back.

So just when Florida got two key members on offense back to practice, one of their most important players on defense has joined the list of players to get banged up this fall.

Caleb Banks is sidelined with a minor injury

Both Gators Online and Swamp 247 have reported that defensive lineman Caleb Banks has been sidelined with a "lower leg injury." Banks is in a walking boot; the injury is considered day-to-day and not believed to be serious.

Just like every other injury the Gators have sustained this training camp, none of them has caused major alarms individually. But it is the sheer volume of key contributors who have been banged up that has raised eyebrows.

For Banks in particular, he might be the single most important player on the roster for Florida outside of DJ Lagway.

Banks had his two best games of the season against LSU and Ole Miss, the two wins that defined the backend of Florida's season. He was injured against FSU and missed the bowl game against Tulane. Banks also didn't play in the Spring Game.

His presence on Florida's roster for 2025 is massive because the Gators have to replace Cam Jackson and Desmond Watson along the interior of the defensive line and were mostly content to sit tight in the transfer portal.

Without Banks in the Spring Game, Florida's 1st team defense was completely gashed on the ground, and Ja'Kobi Jackson ran for 198 yards on ten carries.

On paper, Florida plans to pair Banks with Jamari Lyons, Michai Boireau, Brendan Bett, and Brien Taylor Jr. to maintain the middle of the defensive line for the Gators in 2025.