UF’s Reese sprains ankle, might return vs. UK in Week 2

Florida junior LB sprained his ankle at Tuesday’s practice and could be out for next week’s opener vs. Charleston Southern.

Published on Tuesday, 8/21/18, at 8:37 p.m. Eastern.

Florida junior linebacker David Reese sustained a high-ankle sprain at Tuesday’s practice. Although more testing could reveal further damage, the second-team All-SEC selection last year isn’t likely to miss an extended period of time.

With that said, Reese’s status for next Saturday’s season opener vs. Charleston Southern is certainly in doubt. The hope is that Reese can be back to 100 percent for the Week 2 SEC opener vs. Kentucky on Sept. 8. The Gators have beaten the Wildcats in 31 consecutive head-to-head meetings, the longest active streak in an FBS rivalry.

Reese produced 102 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception and one QB hurry as a sophomore in 2017. When current Detroit Lions LB Jarrad Davis was injured late in the ’16 season, Reese immediately made an impact as a true freshman. Davis started four games and recorded 49 tackles, two TFL’s and one return of a blocked extra point for a TD that gave UF two points.

In Phil Steele’s preseason magazine, Reese was listed as a first-team All-SEC LB and a fourth-team All-American. The Gators will hope their defensive leader will be back to face Benny Snell, UK’s dynamic RB.

High-ankle sprains can linger a little longer than others. If so, the Gators should be fine in Week 3 with Colorado St. visiting The Swamp. The Rams are rebuilding this year after losing their dynamic trio of Nick Stevens, Michael Gallup and Dalyn Dawkins. UF hits the road for the first time in Week 4 to face Tennessee at Neyland Stadium.