Gators’ QB Graham Mertz, RB Montrell Johnson Jr. injured against Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – In the Florida Gators’ 23-17 overtime loss to No. 8 Tennessee, quarterback Graham Mertz suffered an apparent lower-body injury after throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Arlis Boardingham and landing awkwardly was.

The injury, which occurred with 7:18 left in the third quarter, occurred after Mertz twisted while throwing and landed awkwardly on his right knee. He hobbled off the field and slammed his helmet on the ground as he reached the sideline. He later went to the injury tent and was seen walking under his own power on the sideline, albeit with a noticeable limp.

He eventually went to the Gators’ locker room and returned to the sideline in street clothes and on crutches.

“Obviously Graham did a phenomenal performance in the game. I thought he was out of it,” UF head coach Billy Napier said after the game. “He prepared really well and came to play. He actually has an injury, a lower body injury. Of course, we will give you some updates on this in the next week. It was significant enough that he couldn’t complete the injury game.”

At the time of his injury, No. 8 Florida led Tennessee 10-0, with Mertz throwing for 125 yards and completing 11 of his 15 passes. Freshman DJ Lagway, who had already rotated during the game, replaced Mertz on the next drive and immediately threw an interception that led to a Tennessee field goal.

Lagway eventually hit Chimere Dike for the game-winning touchdown, sending the game into overtime. Should Mertz be unable to play the remainder of the season, the keys to Florida’s offense will be turned over to Lagway, who has already started one game in Mertz’s place after the veteran suffered a concussion in the loss to Miami.

“Well, he started a game earlier in the year and then of course he had the opportunity to contribute every week. He will be better prepared. But we will cross that bridge when we get there. “I have absolute confidence in DJ Lagway,” said Napier.

In that start, a 45-7 win over Samford, Lagway threw for 456 yards, a program freshman record, and three touchdowns.

Mertz’s injury was the second for a UF starter on the drive after running back Montrell Johnson Jr. left the game with a lower-body injury following an awkward tackle on a 20-yard rush. Johnson Jr. had accumulated 85 rushing yards at the time of his injury and was replaced by Jadan Baugh and Ja’Kobi Jackson.

Florida head coach Billy Napier is expected to provide an update on Mertz and Johnson Jr. on Monday. Florida next plays Kentucky at UF’s homecoming on Oct. 19. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. and will be televised on SEC Network.