Two starting running backs Florida Football was supposed to face to miss 2024 season

For the most part, the injury bug has avoided Florida Football this training camp. The Gators did lose Jamari Lyons to an apparent leg injury during Saturday’s scrimmage, and Montrell Johnson has been sidelined with a knee issue, but they have avoided any season-ending injuries to their established starters.

And compared to the injuries to two key players that the Gators were slated to face this season, Florida won’t complain too much about their situation.

Florida Football: Wear And Tear

Last week, news broke that Texas running back CJ Baxter had suffered a knee injury in practice, tearing his LCL and PCL. Baxter is slated to have surgery and miss the 2024 season.

As a true freshman in 2023, Baxter ran the ball 138 times for 659 yards and five touchdowns. He also had 156 yards receiving. He was named to the Doak Walker Award watchlist and was a second-team all-preseason team. Baxter was a top 30 overall prospect from the class of 2023 and was expected to be a major factor for Texas this season.

Florida is slated to play Texas on November 9 in Austin.

Down the road from Austin in College Station, Texas A&M also lost its starting running back over the weekend. Rueben Owens suffered a “lower body injury,” and he too is expected to miss the 2024 campaign.

Also a freshman in 2023, Owens ran the ball 101 times for 385 yards and three touchdowns in his debut campaign. He is a former top-50 overall prospect and was expected to take a step forward in 2024.

Florida will host Texas A&M on September 14.