Florida WR Deonte Thompson misses Tennessee game because of hamstring injury

Florida’s Thompson sits out Tennessee game

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida receiver Deonte Thompson did not dress against Tennessee, a big loss for the top-ranked Gators.

Thompson caught two touchdown passes last week against Troy, but he injured his hamstring on the second one.

Coach Urban Meyer said earlier this week there was no doubt Thompson would be in the starting lineup against the Volunteers. But when Florida took the field for pregame warm-ups Saturday, Thompson was wearing shorts and his jersey.

Thompson, a 6-foot sophomore from Belle Glade, caught 18 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns last season. He moved into a starting role following the departure of receivers Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy.