Gators redshirt freshman tight end Gage Wilcox has been absent from practice the last couple of weeks.
On Thursday, head coach Billy Napier explained why.
“He’s injured, and it’s going to be a season — or, really, a career-ending injury for him,” Napier said. “So, very unfortunate for Gage, but, certainly, while he was here with us, he did a [fantastic job].”
No details were provided as to how Wilcox got injured or what the diagnosis is.
Wilcox played in two games last season and redshirted. With Kemore Gamble transferring to UCF, he was one of several players vying for increased playing time this fall.
With Wilcox, Nick Elksnis and Jonathan Odom not practicing, the Gators only had one scholarship tight end for Thursday’s scrimmage in Keon Zipperer. Defensive end Dante Zanders, defensive lineman Griffin McDowell and an unnamed long-snapper played snaps at the position during the scrimmage.
Help is on the way, though. Signees Tony Livingston, Arlis Boardingham and Hayden Hansen will arrive over the summer, and the Gators might also add someone via the transfer portal.