The Florida Gators entered the week with several unknowns on offense.

The status of quarterback Aaron Philo was up in the air after he apparently suffered an injury in the Gators' 38-19 loss to South Carolina in Week 6. Tramell Jones Jr. replaced Philo in the fourth quarter, and the team has been preparing him to be the starter against the No. 7 Texas Longhorns if Philo is not able to go.

Per ESPN's Pete Thamel, the Gators made the determination that Philo will travel with the team to Austin for Saturday's game. Head coach Jon Sumrall will decide Philo's availability during pregame warm-ups.

Thamel also provided injury news on two other key players for the offense.

Wide receiver Vernell Brown III, who has 17 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns this season, will also be a game-time decision for Florida. The Gators are 4-0 with him on the field, and he would be a key target against a stingy Texas defense. He's been battling a knee injury and has been ruled out of the Gators’ previous two games.

Wide receiver Bailey Stockton will also be a game-time decision for UF. The senior receiver has caught 22 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns this season.

Philo's status will be of the most interest for Florida this weekend. The Georgia Tech transfer has thrown for 1,341 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions this season.

Through the first six games of the season, Jones has gone 23 of 29 passing for 252 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.

The Gators will need strong quarterback play when they face Texas. Given the issues in Florida's secondary, quarterback Arch Manning could have a big performance against Florida on Saturday.

If that's the case, UF will need Jones or Philo to have their best game of the season to escape Austin with a win.

Jones and Philo have not had stellar starts to the season. That was somewhat expected during the early part of the season.

Now that we're in the middle of October, Florida will need better quarterback play if it hopes to finish the season with a respectable record.

The next two games are the toughest on Florida's schedule. After playing Texas, UF will have a bye before getting prepared to play No. 1 Georgia on Halloween. The Gators’ minor hopes of making the College Football Playoff rest on being able to win at least one of those two contests.

Source: Yahoo Sports