Hoping to be ready for opener, Cece Jefferson still hasn't been cleared

After undergoing shoulder surgery, Cece Jefferson is hoping to be on the field when Florida opens the 2018 season against Charleston Southern on Sept. 1. However, it’s still uncertain if that will happen.

On Tuesday at SEC Media Days, Jefferson told Pat Dooley of Gatorsports.com that he hasn’t been cleared for the season opener. However, that remains the defensive end’s goal as he continues his rehab.

Dooley also reported that Jefferson’s surgically repaired right shoulder is “coming along fine,” according to the standout Gator defender.

I asked @cecejeferson7 about his repaired shoulder and he said it is coming along fine. He hasn't been cleared for opener but that's his goal as he goes through rehab.

— Pat Dooley (@pat_dooley) July 17, 2018

Jefferson injured his shoulder during the Gators’ spring game on April 14. After he underwent surgery, initial reports were that he would miss about four months. That would have Jefferson returning in mid-August.

Jefferson opted to return for his senior season at Florida after totaling 47 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks last year for the Gators, playing in all 11 games.