Many sick Gators are getting better, but two starters – CB Joe Haden and S Major Wright – missed Thursday’s practice with flu-like symptoms. Coach Urban Meyer said he expects both to be ready for Kentucky but estimates more than 35 cases of flu-like symptoms in the last three weeks.
“It’s like every day,” Meyer said. “You blow the whistle, and whoever runs out runs out.”
Starting LB A.J. Jones has improved since early-week flu symptoms. DE Jermaine Cunningham, TE Aaron Hernandez and RB Jeff Demps got sick last week. The Gators are trying to prevent any resemblance of an H1N1 Swine Flu outbreak.
Markihe Anderson or Wondy Pierre-Louis, who wore a mask during Thursday’s practice, would replace Haden if he couldn’t go.
“Haden will,” Meyer said. “If Haden isn't going, I’m not going."
Players either have respiratory or stomach problems, Meyer said, but most of the work from trainers is cautionary. Running backs coach Kenny Carter said "we're fine."
INJURY NEWS: LB Brandon Spikes (left Achilles tendinitis) limped out of practice with his left cleat off. Meyer said Spikes’ injury is a “little tender” but he should play against Kentucky.
*WR Deonte Thompson (hamstring) is questionable for Kentucky, but the backups had a good week of practice, Meyer said.
In other Gators news, Meyer said he’s “absolutely” honored to be named college football’s coach of the decade by Sporting News.
“My wife just told me that, and I looked at her and said, ‘What are you talking about?’” said Meyer, who is a career 86-17 with two national titles. “We’re playing Kentucky in two days and first of all, the decade’s not over.”