Earlier this week, Kentucky coach Mark Stoops shared the Wildcats were dangerously close to not being able to play against Florida due to injuries and COVID-related absences. On Saturday, ESPN reporter Quint Kessenich shared that UK will be without 16-17 players, including four offensive starters (two offensive linemen, a tight end and a running back).

After Kessenich’s report on “SEC Nation,” Kentucky Sports Radio reporters identified some of the players out on Saturday. Matt Jones tweeted running back Chris Rodriguez is out while Nick Roush added that the tight end sidelined is Justin Rigg. Roush further explained why the gameday number was 16-17, identifying that offensive guard Luke Fortner is a game-time decision.

Rodriguez’s absence is likely to have an impact. The sophomore is Kentucky’s leading rusher in every category, having recorded 88 carries for 562 yards and 6 touchdowns. Asim Rose is second in yardage with 65 carries for 359 yards. Quarterback Terry Wilson has the edge over Rose in touchdowns with 4 to 1.

Rigg has 8 catches for 65 yards and a touchdown on the season.

While it’s rough for UK to face the No. 6 team with 16-17 players out, it appears the Wildcats’ roster situation got better over the last couple of days. Stoops had noted 18 absences in his Wednesday press conference.

[H/T Brandon Zimmerman, ESPN/SEC Network]