What happened to Aaron Gates? Exploring Gators DB’s exit to locker room against Ole Miss

The Florida Gators have been bitten by the injury bug and Week 13 seems to be adding to that as starting STAR (defensive back) Aaron Gates left the game against Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday. The injury occurred during the second play of the game. On the 2nd-and-5 play, Rebels running back Micah Davis ran for four yards, and Gates appeared to take an awkward hit while attempting the tackle, colliding with a teammate.

Gates spent a few moments getting checked out by the Florida Gators medical staff after suffering a lower-body injury. He was eventually helped up before limping to the Florida locker room with the help of a pair of trainers. As of the time of writing, Aaron Gates is listed as questionable to return.

Sharif Denson has stepped in to replace him on the field. It will be important to monitor Gates' status, as he is one of the top defensive backs for Florida this season.

---

Florida continues to suffer defensive back injuries

The Florida Gators have been dealing with many injuries to their secondary throughout the season, and facing one of the hottest offenses in the Ole Miss Rebels only adds to their challenges. Outside of Aaron Gates' injury today, safety Asa Turner and cornerback Ja'Keem Jackson have missed a majority of the season.

The Gators have also been without cornerbacks Devin Moore and Jasn Marshall Jr., significantly testing the depth of coach Billy Napier's program. As a result, four members of the secondary (Dijon Johnson, Trikweze Bridges, Bryce Thornton and Jordan Castell) were forced to play every single defensive snap in last week's game against the LSU Tigers.

If Aaron Gates is unable to return for an extended period of time in this game, or potentially for the rest of the season, it will be a test of the Gators' ability to maintain their "next man up" mentality due to the injuries piling up.