KNOXVILLE, Tenn.– Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz exited the game against Tennessee due to an apparent lower-body injury sustained during an awkward landing after completing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Arlis Boardingham.
The injury occurred with 7:18 remaining in the third quarter when Mertz twisted and landed awkwardly on his right knee. He limped off the field and, visibly frustrated, slammed his helmet upon reaching the sideline. He later entered the injury tent and was seen walking unaided on the sidelines but with a noticeable limp before heading to the Gators’ locker room.
At the time of Mertz’s injury, Florida was leading No. 8 Tennessee 10-0, with Mertz having thrown for 125 yards and completing 11 of 15 passes. Freshman DJ Lagway, who had been rotating in during the game, took over for Mertz on the next drive and promptly threw an interception, which led to a field goal for Tennessee.
Mertz’s injury marked the second loss of a UF starter during that drive, as running back Montrell Johnson Jr. had earlier left the game with a lower-body injury after an awkward tackle during a 20-yard run. By that point, Johnson Jr. had amassed 85 rushing yards and was replaced by Jadan Baugh and Ja’Kobi Jackson.
Florida head coach Billy Napier is expected to provide updates on Mertz and Johnson Jr. during his post-game press conference. As of this report, Tennessee had tied the game at 10-10 late in the third quarter.
