DJ Lagway injury update: Billy Napier details recovery, timeline

The Florida Gators are dealing with major injury issues at the quarterback position, with Graham Mertz going down for the season and DJ Lagway missing the Gators’ recent loss to the Texas Longhorns.

In his press conference following the game, Florida head coach Billy Napier shared an update on Lagway, including how he’s handling his recovery from the injury.

“I think that he got better each day,” Billy Napier said. “A little bit better with each opportunity. I do think that he probably felt as good as he’s felt since the injury today in pregame. That’s kind of what he voiced to me. But not quite ready. I think there was risk with putting him out there with a soft-tissue injury. All of the metrics said he’s not quite ready to do it but we’re hopeful. He’s made some progress and we’ll get a good feel for it early next week.”

Lagway was initially carted off the field against Georgia. At that time, it seemed like a severe injury that could end his season. That was later ruled a soft-tissue injury to his hamstring. However, he did get positive updates in the week leading up to the Texas game and was considered a game-time decision, even though he was ultimately unable to play.

In place of DJ Lagway, Florida has turned to Yale transfer and walk-on quarterback Aidan Warner. Going in to play against Georgia and Texas is a tough task for any quarterback and it’s been a struggle at times for Warner. Between the two games, he’s completed just 19 of 47 passes for 198 yards and three interceptions. He’s lost 17 yards rushing.

For his part, DJ Lagway came to Florida as a five-star recruit and the top-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2024, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. The expectation was that, as a freshman, he’d develop behind Graham Mertz and prepare to be the future quarterback of the program. However, a concussion to Mertz forced Lagway into action early before the two split reps. A torn ACL for Mertz later forced Lagway into the starting role.

Florida’s difficult schedule continues next week. The Gators are set to host the LSU Tigers, who are coming off a frustrating loss of their own. After that, Florida will need to take on the Ole Miss Rebels, who have College Football Playoff aspirations this season. For both of those games, the Gators will likely need DJ Lagway back to try and pull off an upset.