Florida Gators' Billy Napier updates injury report, Montrell Johnson makes progress

During his press conference on Monday Florida Gators Head coach Billy Napier gave a number of updates on injured players, including running back Montrell Johnson Jr.

To begin, Johnson, Jr.who was out due to a knee injury, is still in the midst of recovery after a minor operation almost two weeks ago.

“Montrell is doing fantastic,” Napier said. “He's done a few things. We expect him to be able to participate in training, whether it's modified or at full strength at some point. We'll provide an update, obviously we're getting ready to turn the tide in game week. We'll keep you updated up until the game according to the schedule, but we're confident Montrell is doing well and look forward to his return.”

He is viewed week by week and has been observed Running on the treadmill during training on Wednesday. He also participated in Saturday's warm-up before leaving the field when individual drills began.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Tank Hawkins suffered a shoulder injury during the Gators' second practice game on Saturday, and his usage will vary from day to day, Napier said.

“I think Tank has grown day by day. We'll see where he is, but there's nothing long-term planned for Tank,” Napier said.

Hawkins is pictured wearing a sling at the Gators' annual team photo at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. He sits eighth from the right in his No. 10 jersey between linebacker Aaron Chiles (8) and linebacker Grayson Howard (10).

Hawkins was considered a rising star during fall camp after a stellar performance in the Gators' first practice game, scoring two touchdowns on passes from DJ Lagway, one in the red zone and the other on a long pass down the middle of the field.

“He's had a great offseason,” Napier said after the Gators' first practice game. “He's definitely playing faster. His skills are improving. He's more comfortable. As we've talked about before, we kind of have that top three and then there's this group that's competing. He's in that group.”

In addition, wide receiver Ja'Quavion Fraziars has a lower-body injury, according to Napier. He did not participate in any of the warm-ups, individual games or scrimmages on Saturday. Fraziars' injury is believed to have occurred during a practice session before the scrimmage.

Before the training game on Saturday, Fraziars was seen on crutches.

Notable injured receivers include redshirt freshman Andy Jean, who suffered an upper-body injury that Napier said “will take some time.”

The return deadlines of both recipients must be clarified.

On the defensive end, corner Devin Moore was absent from Saturday's practice game after being seen wearing a non-contact jersey the previous week. He had previously worn a non-contact jersey due to tonsillitis, but was back in his normal practice uniform shortly afterward.

Its absence can be attributed to tonsil problems.

“We’ll bring him back here soon,” Napier said.

Napier and the Gators are expected to release a full injury report before the season opener against Miami on August 31.