Florida defensive starter could miss extended time due to injury

Florida starting defensive tackle Joey Ivie is expected to miss 4-5 weeks recovering from surgery on a broken thumb, head coach Jim McElwain revealed while addressing the media Wednesday.

Mac says DT Joey Ivie will be out for a while, sounds like 4-5 weeks

— Andy Olson (@ByAndrewOlson) September 28, 2016

Mac said DT Joey Ivie had hand surgery is out for 4-5 weeks.

— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) September 28, 2016

Ivie recorded nine tackles, including an assisted sack during the Gators’ first four games of 2016. The senior played in 10 games and made five starts for the Gators in 2015, which included a career-high 27 tackles with four tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

McElwain said he expects Caleb Brantley, Khairi Clark and Taven Bryan to step up in Ivie’s absence on the defensive line.

McElwain said with Joey Ivie out, Caleb Brantley, Khairi Clark and Taven Bryan will need to step up. #Gators

— Jordan McPherson (@J_McPherson1126) September 28, 2016

Jason Hall

Jason covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.