Florida defensive tackle Dominique Easley will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL during a non-contact drill in Tuesday’s practice.
“Test results revealed he suffered a tear of both his ACL & medial meniscus, which will require season-ending surgery," Florida coach Will Muschamp said in a statement released by the university.
"I talked to Dominique and the team this afternoon and we will continue to look for his leadership and experience throughout the season."
The news came just hours after Muschamp had told reporters during the SEC teleconference that Easley had merely “tweaked” his knee and would miss Wednesday’s practice. Muschamp also said he thought Easley would be fine.
The loss of Florida’s best defensive lineman and senior leader is a huge blow to a Gators’ team that just lost quarterback Jeff Driskel to a broken leg over the weekend. Driskel had a plate and two screws inserted into his leg Wednesday morning.
Before the injury was officially announced, Easley took to Twitter to that Florida fans.
"Gatornation thank you for all of 4 yrs of sticking with me but god has something else planned for and have no worries #believe," he posted on his private Twitter account (@MR_ChUcKiE_2).
Easley, who tore his ACL during the 2011 season and returned for 2012, had five tackles this year, including two for loss, and is tied for the lead on the team with four quarterback hurries.
Easley and Driskel are two of five Gators to miss this season with season-ending injuries. Receiver Andre Debose and linebacker Matt Rolin both suffered torn ACLs and offensive tackle Chaz Green has a torn labrum.
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