Florida offensive coordinator says QB John Brantley ‘doing great’ after rib injury vs. Alabama

Addazio: Brantley ‘doing great’ after rib injury

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said Tuesday that quarterback John Brantley was “doing great” despite a rib injury.

Brantley left Saturday night’s 31-6 loss at Alabama with sore ribs. He returned for the next series and finished 16 of 31 passing for 202 yards, with two inteceptions.

Brantley said Monday he was in some pain but expected to play Saturday night when the 14th-ranked Gators host No. 12 LSU.

“I’m a little sore like any other game, but nothing major, nothing that’s going to stop me from doing anything,” Brantley said.

Oddsmakers don’t seem so sure. Several removed the game’s betting line, calling the Florida quarterback questionable.

Left tackle Marcus Gilbert added to speculation about Brantley’s health Tuesday by saying the junior missed practice Sunday night.

“We kept him out a little bit,” Gilbert said. “He was limited, but I think he’ll be good to go this week.”

The Gators hope so. Although Brantley has struggled at times this season, his backup is a true freshman who admittedly doesn’t throw the ball very well. Trey Burton does have a 42-yard completion, the team’s longest of 2010, and scored six touchdowns against Kentucky two weeks ago.

But he’s taken most of his snaps out of the wildcat formation or at tight end, receiver and fullback. Burton has 15 carries for 60 yards and seven touchdowns, and has 12 receptions for 77 yards and a score.

How confident is he about playing quarterback full time?

“Real confident,” Burton said. “I practice every practice and I’m fine with it. But Brantley’s good. He’ll be able to play.”

Brantley, who replaced 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow this season, has completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 902 yards and six touchdowns in five games. He also has three interceptions and been sacked four times.