Florida starter reportedly 'week-to-week' following knee procedure

Florida starting running back Montrell Johnson is considered “week-to-week” after undergoing a knee procedure, according to a report.

That news comes from Swamp247’s Jacob Rudner, who reports that Johnson had his knee scoped after suffering an injury during fall camp.

That’s significant news for a Florida offense that was going to rely on Johnson as its lead option at running back this fall. The Gators open the 2024 season against Miami in less than a month, so there’s not much time for Johnson to get healthy if he’s going to be ready to go for that Week 1 showdown.

Johnson was Florida’s leading rusher in 2023 with 817 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also was a big part of the passing game, catching 30 passes out of the backfield for 230 yards and another score the through the air.

Johnson’s counterpart from a year ago, Trevor Etienne, transferred to rival Georgia this offseason. With Johnson sidelined, sophomore Treyaun Webb figures to be in line for first-team reps during fall camp — and possibly into the regular season, depending on Johnson’s recovery.

Johnson recorded 163 yards on 26 carries last season, scoring 2 touchdowns. He led all Florida running backs with an average of 6.3 yards per attempt. True freshman Jadan Baugh could also fight for playing time in 2024. He had an impressive spring in Gainesville and rushed for 77 yards on 12 carries in UF’s spring game.

Florida is set to face arguably the nation’s toughest schedule in 2024. Florida’s regular-season win total is currently set at 4.5, per the latest odds from FanDuel.

Florida will open the 2024 season at home against Miami on Aug. 31.