Graham Mertz injury: Gators QB limps off the field with non-contact injury

Florida quarterback Graham Mertz had just made his best throw of the night against Tennessee, finally getting a touchdown on the board. Arlis Boardingham was on the receiving end, extending the Gators’ lead to 10 in front of a stunned Neyland Stadium. A great moment for Mertz and the entire offense until disaster somehow struck.

Mertz had released the ball and was jumping sideways from a Tennessee defender while watching the play unfold. After a few hops, he suddenly grabbed at his right knee and was instantly in pain. Falling to the ground for a brief second, Mertz eventually limped his way off the field.

Once on the sideline, his helmet went flying out of frustration. A scary moment for Mertz considering nobody was around him at the time, appearing to be a non-contract injury.

ESPN went to commercial right after the moment but as they came back, a video was shown of the Florida QB limping into the blue medical tent.

Luckily for Florida, there is confidence in what DJ Lagway is able to do. Head coach Billy Napier does throw him in the game every third drive anyway. Not the traditional backup situation most college football programs might be in. Either way, asking a true freshman to get a win at Neyland Stadium is a big task.

“It appears it will be his ballgame,” ESPN’s Kris Budden said about Lagway late in the third quarter. “Because Graham Mertz is in the locker room.”

If Mertz is officially done, he finishes the day completing 11 of 15 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. While not much has gone well for Florida the last couple of seasons, Mertz has been a consistent player for the Gators.

Questions will be asked about his long-term status following the game at Napier’s press conference. He will be hoping to have a win in his back pocket when answering those questions and will ride with Lagway the rest of the way.