GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Running back Matt Jones is among four Florida Gators players who will miss spring practice as they recover from injuries, coach Will Muschamp announced Monday.
Jones, who started four games in 2013 and was the team's top running back heading into the season before tearing cartilage in his knee, will be joined on the sideline this spring by three linebackers -- rising sophomores Alex Anzalone and Jeremi Powell as well as redshirt freshman Matt Rolin.
Meanwhile, Muschamp said the rehab for quarterback Jeff Driskel is "coming very well" and he's on target to participate in spring practice after breaking a bone in his lower right leg in the Gators' third game this past season.
Jones suffered a radial tear of his meniscus during Florida's loss to LSU on Oct. 12. He was the Gators' third-leading rusher with 79 carries for 339 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and two touchdowns.
Muschamp said Jones has had one surgery and will need another in three to four weeks to repair "the remaining 40 percent [of the meniscus]."
"It is a little more lengthy," Muschamp said. "This was torn all the way through. It's a little more serious than a regular meniscus. ... We feel like, optimistically, he'll be ready to go for summer workouts."
Powell and Rolin continue to rehab after surgeries for torn ACLs, while Anzalone is recovering after surgery on a torn labrum in his shoulder.
Spring practice is tentatively scheduled to begin March 19.
Besides Driskel, Muschamp also expects full participation from offensive tackle Tyler Moore, who started six games as a sophomore in 2013 before suffering a compound fracture of his elbow in a scooter accident. He'll be evaluated in two to three weeks to further determine his status.
Wide receiver Andre Debose, a senior who applied for medical hardship to be eligible for a sixth season, will be a non-contact participant this spring. Debose, who tore his ACL during preseason camp last fall, has an SEC record-tying four kickoff returns for touchdowns.
Muschamp said redshirt freshman offensive lineman Octavius Jackson had surgery on a chronic shoulder injury and is questionable for spring practice.
The Gators (4-8) lost 15 players to season-ending injuries, including 10 starters, during the 2013 season. Overall, Florida had 25 players miss a combined 126 games.