Billy Napier shares update on Graham Mertz's health following injury

Graham Mertz suffered a significant injury in the form of a cracked collarbone during Florida’s loss at Missouri this weekend. Now, with that being the case, Billy Napier and the Gators are doing all they can to help him, whether medically or by supporting him as one of their own.

Napier addressed Mertz’s status during his press conference on Monday. He started with an update of how they’re going to go about injury over the next two weeks by sharing their plan as far as treatment and study that they’re going to do that’s in the best interest of their quarterback.

“We took another image yesterday, we felt good about that image,” said Napier. “We’re going to basically go in a two-week period here where we’re going to give the chance for the fracture to start the process of growing back. Then we’ll reevaluate things.”

“I think, in the meantime, we’re going to do exhaustive research on like-cases in college football and in the National Football League relative to players who have been through similar injuries,” Napier explained. “Just making sure that we’re giving him the best map for him going forward with the rest of his career.”

Until they reevalute Mertz, Napier said the Gators are going to do all they can to help him still remain a part of their team in the ways that he can off of the field.

“Graham is mature. I think he’s really bright,” said Napier. “Much like any great competitor? I think he, obviously, wishes he was able to do everything that he could do for the team. But he’s going to be around and he’ll still contribute to the team in the ways that he can.”

“It’s tough. I think injuries, sometimes, for players? Those are some of the more challenging things that you go through,” Napier said. “When you think about things that you could do differently? Ultimately, a lot of these things, it is what it is.”

Through 11 games this fall, Mertz was very efficient with a career-best 72.9% completion rate. That led to career-highs across the board with 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only three interceptions in his first season at Florida after four at Wisconsin. He also rushed for four more scores for a total of 24 on the year.

Based on Napier’s update, there’s still a chance that Mertz could return if Florida earns bowl eligibility this weekend. Until they know, though, he fully anticipates the Gators’ QB1 to remain engaged as they wait to know more.

“I think he has done a terrific job for our team. I think he’ll continue to do that,” Napier said.