DJ Lagway injury update: Billy Napier offers latest on Florida QB entering LSU week

DJ Lagway isn’t quite 100%, but he’ll back on the practice field according to Florida head coach Billy Napier.

Gators’ fans can breathe sigh of relief with the news. It seems like the star freshman QB is trending in the right direction.

As of now, it’s too early to tell if he’ll be back in the lineup against LSU over Aidan Warner.

“Well, the good thing is, we worked him out this morning and we felt good about what we saw, you know,” Napier said Monday. “So now does that means100%? I don’t necessarily (think so). Soft tissue is a very subjective injury. I think it’s day to day, but we do anticipate him practicing today.”

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.

DJ Lagway could return for Florida vs. LSU

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.

“I think that he got better each day,” Napier said this weekend “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.”

For his part, 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.