Injury restricts Harvin to offense

After watching film of Arkansas' Felix Jones and California's DeSean Jackson make momentum-shifting plays on kick returns, Florida coach Urban Meyer said he planned to utilize sophomore receiver Percy Harvin on kickoff returns against Troy.

Now, that seems out of the question, for this week at least.

Meyer said after Wednesday's practice that Harvin's Achilles' tendinitis, which gave him problems during the preseason, flared up again and he will be restricted to only playing on offense this week.

"Percy's got a little tendonitis issues, but I think he's going to be OK," Meyer said. (He practiced) off and on. He'll be able to go."

Harvin was bothered for most of last season with an ankle injury, despite accumulating 864 total yards.

Meyer, who said after Saturday's win over Western Kentucky that he wanted to get Harvin the ball more, does not plan to hold the receiver back Saturday if he is healthy enough.

Harvin touched the ball six times for a total of 78 yards against the Hilltoppers.

Troy's offense similar

Meyer expects to see a few familiar formations from Troy's spread offense.

"(Troy's offense is) probably similar to the problems we try to get through," he said. "We try to spread you out, (create) great match up issues for you and create some run-game lanes that otherwise wouldn't be in there if you packed them all in there.

"They do a nice job. They know what they're doing. (They have a) very nice scheme. They know exactly what they're doing and they have good personnel."

Troy senior quarterback Omar Haugabook left the Trojan's opener against Arkansas in the fourth quarter after injuring his hand. Meyer said he was unaware of the quarterback's injury and did not say if the defensive plan would change if Troy were to play another quarterback in Haugabook's place.

Hornsby gets praise

Redshirt freshman safety Jamar Hornsby could see a little action on defense, Meyer said.

Meyer, who is a stickler for special teams' performance, said Hornsby has been improving and is pleased with his performance so far.

"He's starting on at least two special teams (formations)," Meyer said. "He's getting better. He started on punt last week and kickoff and I think he's on punt blocks, so there's at least three special teams (formations) he's starting."

One corner to play, the other to sit

Sophomore cornerback Markihe Anderson had a light practice Wednesday, but is expected to play Saturday, Meyer said.

"Markihe practiced today," he said. "A little tentative, but he practiced. Markihe should be able to play this weekend."

The news on redshirt junior Markus Manson was not so positive.

"Markus Manson has a sprained ankle," Meyer said. "He won't be able to play this weekend."

Etc.

James Wilson's nagging knee pains could soon be gone. "James Wilson's out there running around," Meyer said. "He's good to go next week, I heard." ... Redshirt freshman guard Maurice Hurt was carted off of the field Tuesday due to cramps, Meyer said. ... The news on freshman defensive lineman John Brown's chances for eligibility is positive, Meyer said. "We should hear something real soon," he said. "It's just positive from the feedback we're getting right now."