Graham Mertz injury update: Florida quarterback undergoing testing, status unknown

Florida quarterback Graham Mertz will undergo an MRI and imaging testing on Sunday after suffering a lower left leg injury on Saturday night against Tennessee, a source told On3. His status for the remainder of the season has yet to be determined.

The redshirt senior exited Saturday night’s 23-17 overtime loss in the third quarter, limping off the field after throwing a touchdown pass to Arlis Boardingham while backing away from Tennessee defenders. A non-contact injury, Mertz landed awkwardly after throwing the touchdown pass and limped off the field.

He returned to the sidelines in the fourth quarter with his left knee in a brace and on crutches. Mertz finished Saturday night 11 of 15 for 125 yards and a touchdown. He missed Florida’s Week 2 win over Samford with a concussion but returned to start the last four games.

“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.”

True freshman and former Five-Star Plus+ recruit DJ Lagway played throughout the game and after Mertz was injured, finishing 9 of 17 for 98 yards with a touchdown and interception. Lagway 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.

Graham Mertz started his career at Wisconsin before transferring to Florida in December 2022. He returned to the Gators this season after throwing for 2,903 yards and 20 touchdowns with just three interceptions in 2023. He also led the SEC with a 72.9% completion percentage.