Graham Mertz injury update: Florida QB expected to miss rest of season per report

Florida quarterback Graham Mertz is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury he suffered against Tennessee, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

Mertz had to exit the game against the Vols, paving way for freshman DJ Lagway. The Gators lost to Tennessee 23-17 in overtime in Knoxville.

“Obviously Graham played phenomenal in the game,” Florida head coach Billy Napier said after the game. “I thought he was lights out. Really prepared well and came to play. He does have an injury, a lower-body injury. Obviously, we’ll give you some updates on that when we get to next week. It was significant enough that he couldn’t complete the game.”

Graham Mertz reportedly done for season

Lagway finished 9 of 17 for 98 yards with a touchdown and interception. He has rotated playing time with Mertz for much of the season.

His interception came on his first passing attempt after Mertz was out of the game. Lagway also threw a touchdown pass with 30 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to force overtime.

This season, Mertz had 791 yards, six touchdowns, two interceptions and a 76.6% completion percentage. Over the course of his career with Wisconsin and Florida, Mertz has 9,009 yards, 64 touchdowns, 31 interceptions and a 64.7% completion percentage.

As a member of the Class of 2019, Mertz was a four-star recruit out of Mission (Kans.) Blue Valley North, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 4 quarterback in the class and the No. 57 overall prospect in the class.