The Florida Gators received some good news when it comes to the health of quarterback DJ Lagway after the freshman left Saturday’s game against the Georgia Bulldogs with a hamstring injury.
When the 19-year-old was carted off the field with what head coach Billy Napier thought was a serious injury, things did not appear to be going well for him. Napier told reporters on Monday that there is a chance Lagway could play this week.
We do believe there is a path for recovery and a return; we do believe the injury is less serious.
What happened to DJ Lagway?
There was a “significant hamstring injury” to Lagway.
Florida football fans found it difficult to accept their team’s rivalry loss to Georgia, ranked second, on Saturday. However, Lagway’s apparent leg injury was even more hurt than the loss, which required a cart to aid him off the field. The injury was initially believed to be severe and potentially even season-ending. At his weekly press conference on Monday, Florida coach Billy Napier provided an update on Lagway’s condition, which may please fans of both Florida and college football.
“Injuries are one of the more challenging parts of the profession, coaching and playing,” Napier said; we have not completely ruled him out. A lot of that is to be determined as we move throughout the week.
Gators battled in Lagway’s absence
Lagway left the game after throwing for 47 yards and a touchdown in the second quarter when he sustained the injury. After that, few would have predicted that the Gators would be able to stay up with the Bulldogs, but Aidan Warner took over, and the Gators led 13–6 at the half.
The Bulldogs won 34–20, and Warner finished the game 7 of 22 for 66 yards and an interception, adding another defeat to Florida’s dismal season. Given his significance to the program, many fans would prefer to see Lagway sit out until he is completely healthy, even though the Gators still have a chance to qualify for the bowl.
Since taking over the Gators in 2022, things have not gone well for Napier, and there are still rumors that the school is considering a buyout that would cost more than $26 million.
With games against Texas, LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida State to end the season, Florida currently has a 4-4 record.
