McElwain: Jefferson, Jordan and Sharpe on the Mend (Updated 6 p.m.)
Wednesday, November 16, 2016 | Football, Scott Carter
Florida is expected to have two key injured players available for Saturday's game at LSU.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gators coach Jim McElwain finally delivered some good injury news on Wednesday.
Speaking on the weekly SEC coaches' media teleconference, McElwain said offensive lineman Tyler Jordan (ankle) and defensive lineman Cece Jefferson (foot) are expected to be available on Saturday when the No. 21 Gators (7-2, 4-2) visit LSU.
The Gators can clinch a second consecutive SEC East title with a victory.
The return of Jefferson, who was hurt at Arkansas and did not dress out for Saturday's 20-7 win over South Carolina, adds another defender to help slow down LSU's dangerous run game led by Leonard Fournette.
"He's one of the team leaders, which is rare for a guy of that age,'' McElwain said of the sophomore "I think that's pretty cool. He's a guy that really wants to play and he'll give everything he can to get out there, but I do believe that it is a lift."
Meanwhile, Jordan went down on Florida's first offensive play against South Carolina and did not return.
He started at center on Saturday in place of injured starter Cameron Dillard, who was lost with a knee injury at Arkansas.
"He practiced,'' McElwain said. "He's doing everything he can. I'll know after practice today, but he looked like he's going to be available. At what level, I don't know, but he'll definitely go and be in gear."
At McElwain's media session with local reporters following Wednesday's practice, he added that offensive lineman David Sharpe practiced.
"Sharpe took some reps today, which is good to see,'' McElwain said. "Had a pretty good look in his eye, so we'll see there."
Sharpe injured his leg in the first quarter of the South Carolina game and did not return. Without Jordan and Sharpe, Florida's offensive line was Martez Ivey at left tackle in place of Sharpe, Kavaris Harkless at left guard after Ivey moved to the outside, T.J. McCoy at center, Fred Johnson at right guard and Jawaan Taylor at right tackle.
McElwain has ruled out linebacker Jarrad Davis (ankle), quarterback Luke Del Rio (shoulder), running back Mark Herndon (hamstring), receiver C.J. Worton (foot), defensive end Bryan Cox Jr. (leg) and defensive lineman Justus Reed (undisclosed) for Saturday's game. Linebacker Alex Anzalone (broken arm), safety Marcus Maye (broken arm) and Dillard (knee) are recuperating from injuries that ended their regular seasons.
