Meyer: Rainey on track to return for Georgia game

Florida head coach Urban Meyer said Wednesday he would decide in 24 hours whether Chris Rainey will return from his suspension. But it sure looks like the star player will play against Georgia on Saturday.

“As of now he’s done everything he’s supposed to do,” Meyer said on the SEC teleconference. “I’ll just do a thorough check on everything that I’ve asked him to do.”

Rainey has been out since a Sept. 14 arrest for aggravated stalking. The charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor.

Meyer also said Rainey would play both tailback and receiver “if he plays.” Rainey was a tailback his first two years, then switched to receiver this season.

Meyer was asked how the publicity around Rainey’s arrest, along with others on the team, affects the program.

“I think obviously the initial sting is a lot of negativity brought on towards the program and disappointment,” Meyer said. “Then it’s an opportunity for a young man to clear his name get himself right, like we’ve had with a bunch of young men around here. We’re gonna keep a tight rein on Chris Rainey. He’s never faced anything like this before. He certainly never better again.”

Georgia has faced its own off-field problems, as a questioner pointed out to Meyer.

“One thing Georgia and Florida share is they’re in a college town, and that’s the news,” Meyer said. “Obviously that doesn’t justify the stupid mistakes that people make. I don’t know all of Georgia’s issues, but I do talk to colleagues and what they deal with and how they deal with it. A lot of people deal with similar stuff, it’s just not brought to that level.”

A few other Florida injury updates:

- Meyer said tailback Jeff Demps (sprained foot) has practiced, but not at full speed. Demps has been slowed or out the past three games.
- Mike Gilleslee (ankle) did not practice at full speed.
- Kicker Caleb Sturgis (stress fracture in back) is probable. Sturgis hasn’t played since Sept. 25, and in his absence punter Chas Henry has gone 2 for 5 on field goals, including a 42-yard miss that would’ve tied the game against Mississippi State.