Billy Napier had some unfortunate news about a Florida tight end. Gage Wilcox, a 2021 signee, suffered a career-ending injury. Napier made the announcement during his Thursday press conference, which was streamed live online. The first-year head coach did not detail Wilcox’s injury.

“He’s injured and it’s going to be season, or really, a career-ending injury for him,” Napier said of Wilcox. “Very unfortunate for Gage, but certainly while he was here with us he did a fantastic job. It’s certainly tough, but it’s part of the game.”

A 4-star 2021 prospect out of Jefferson High School in Tampa, Wilcox committed to Florida on Feb. 28, 2020, shortly after Dan Mullen hired Tim Brewster as tight ends coach. Wilcox made 2 appearances for the Gators last season.

In addition to Wilcox, the Gators have been without 2 other scholarship tight ends in recent spring practices. Redshirt freshman Nick Elksnis (broken scapula) and sophomore Jonathan Odom (torn labrum) were reported as out for the rest of the spring on Sunday.

With the injuries at tight end, Napier’s staff has moved multiple defenders to the position. Napier praised redshirt senior Dante Zanders, who spent the last 2 seasons playing defensive line, in his move back to tight end. Napier also told reporters that Griffin McDowell, a redshirt senior former offensive lineman turned defensive lineman, and a long snapper caught passes in Thursday’s practice.