Montrell Johnson Jr injury update: Latest news on Florida RB's availability for SEC blockbuster

The Florida Gators have been without the services of running back Montrell Johnson Jr. since he suffered a lower leg injury during the team's Oct. 12 game against the Tennessee Volunteers in Week 7. The Gators paid a steep price in the 23-17 overtime loss to the Vols, which also saw starting quarterback Graham Mertz sidelined for the rest of the season due to injury.

Ahead of the Gators' Week 11 clash against the Texas Longhorns, ESPN insider Pete Thamel gave an update about the availability of both Johnson and backup quarterback DJ Lagway.

"Florida lists starting QB DJ Lagway and RB Montrell Johnson Jr. as questionable for the game at Texas. Lagway injured his hamstring against Georgia last week and Billy Napier has said he's not ruled out for Austin," Thamel tweeted.

During his weekly news conference, Gators coach Billy Napier gave a positive update about Johnson's possible availability for the Gators.

“We’re hopeful that we may get a couple of guys back,” Napier said. “Now that’s to be determined. We’re in the process of evaluating a couple of those guys that have been out. We’ll have a better idea in the next couple of days. Some of those guys are trending in the right direction — Montrell being in that group.

"We’ll know. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, there will be 100 percent clarity when we get there.”

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Montrell Johnson Jr. has been key for Florida this season

Montrell Johnson missed a huge chunk of fall camp with a knee injury but started the season in the Florida Gators' season-opening blowout loss to the Miami Hurricanes. Johnson has since had a stellar season tallying 373 yards on 70 carries resulting in four touchdowns.

Freshmen running backs Ja'Kobi Jackson and Jadan Baugh have filled in for Johnson during his injury-enforced absence.

Should Montrell Johnson and DJ Lagway both be available for the game against the Texas Longhorns in Week 11 of college football action, Florida Gators fans will go into the game with a whole load more confidence than they currently do.

Florida currently has a 4-4 record this season and with just four games remaining on its schedule, coach Billy Napier will need every resource at his disposal to stop another losing season in his troubled tenure and possibly secure bowl eligibility for the Gators.