Jelani Jenkins injury: Gators LB likely out for bowl game

Florida Gators linebacker Jelani Jenkins will likely miss Florida's bowl game, because of a broken foot.

Jenkins suffered the injury during Florida's 37-26 win over Florida State on Saturday. Jenkins appeared in nine of Florida's 12 games so far in 2012, registering 29 total tackles -- 19 of them unassisted -- along with a pair of quarterback sacks and an interception. Additionally, Jenkins saved the Gators from a stunning upset by Louisiana-Lafayette, as he returned a blocked punt 36 yards for the game-winning touchdown with two seconds remaining.

Florida head coach Will Muschamp did not rule out the possibility that Jenkins could play in Florida's bowl game, however.

Coach Will Muschamp says Jenkins "probably will miss the bowl game. Not totally certain." Muschamp adds that Jenkins will need four to six weeks of recovery time.

The Gators are essentially assured of playing in a January bowl, so Jenkins could have a chance to return in time -- if he's on the four-week side of the recovery time. If Jenkins needs six weeks to recover, he'll probably miss Florida's postseason game.

With just a four-to-six week recovery time, Jenkins should be ready to participate fully in spring practices -- if he doesn't choose to forgo his senior season and declare for the 2013 NFL Draft.