The Florida Gators had high expectations for senior running back Montrell Johnson Jr. entering fall camp.
Unfortunately, those aspirations were dashed in the first few days of training camp when it was reported that Florida’s RB1 had sustained an injury and would require arthroscopic knee surgery.
Johnson was described as “week-to-week” following his minor knee surgery. The Gators are only 11 days away from a huge opening-weekend game against No. 19 Miami, and head coach Billy Napier has given an encouraging report on Johnson.
“So, Montrell is doing fantastically, right? He’s been able to accomplish several things. We expect him to be able to participate in practice, either modified or at full pace,” Napier told the media.
While Johnson’s availability for the Miami game remains uncertain, Napier did say that he and his team are pleased with where the running back is in his rehabilitation.
“Obviously we’re getting ready to turn the page into game week, but we’ll give you updates per the timeline up until the game,” Napier said. “We have confidence that Montrell is doing great and feel good about his return.”
Johnson has led Florida in rushing over the last two seasons, rushing for 817 yards and five touchdowns last season. In 2023, he averaged 5.4 yards per rush and 68 yards per game, with a career-high 30 receptions for 236 yards and one touchdown.
