The Florida Gators will almost certainly be without their top receiver, Tyrie Cleveland, when they host SEC rival LSU on Saturday.
Head coach Jim McElwain confirmed to reporters Monday that Cleveland has a high-angle sprain and is in a walking boot.
“He’s in a boot right now,” McElwain said, per SEC Country. “You know, the dreaded not normal ankle [sprain], but high ankle.”
No other receiver has been able to affect the passing game the way Cleveland has this year for the Gators. He leads the team in receptions and yards, having caught 15 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns. Before exiting Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt, Cleveland caught two passes for 67 yards, including a 49-yarder.
For his part, Cleveland let his fans know he’s okay thanks to the “best trainers in the business.”
I'm good 🙏🏾 just bang up , 🐊 got the best trainers in the business ✊🏾 #ThankYouAll
— Tyrie Cleveland (@Tyrie_1) October 1, 2017
LSU’s defense has been particularly open to getting gashed on the ground of late. So perhaps the Gators can get by without Cleveland in this upcoming contest. However, if he is out for a few weeks, then the Georgia game looms as one the Gators will struggle to win without their top receiver.