![Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) slides during a play while being pursued by Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) uring the season opener at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, August 31, 2024 against the University of Miami Hurricanes in the first half. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]](https://collegefootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/what-happened-to-graham-mertz-injury-update-florida-gators-qb-696x413.jpg "What Happened To Graham Mertz? Latest Injury Update on the Florida Gators QB")
Florida quarterback Graham Mertz suffered an apparent injury in Florida’s Week 1 contest against the Miami Hurricanes. What’s the latest on his status, and what is his outlook moving forward?
What Happened To Graham Mertz?
A rough outing against Miami in Week 1 got even rougher for the Gators at the tail end of the third quarter when the team’s starting QB, Mertz, suffered an undisclosed injury on a passing play.
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Dropping back to throw, Mertz was rocked as he let go of the ball by Hurricanes edge rusher Tyler Baron.
The impact came at an inopportune time — right as Mertz finished his release — and Mertz hit the ground hard on his side. He was visibly after the play.
— go to ➡️ collegefootballnetwork.com (@PickettsPool) August 31, 2024
Mertz was taken out of the game by the Gators after this hit and later went to the locker room. True freshman QB DJ Lagway — a five-star recruit from the 2024 cycle — replaced Mertz to start the fourth quarter.
Through three quarters, Mertz had completed 11 of 20 pass attempts for 91 yards and an interception. It was an uninspiring season debut after a 2023 campaign that stoked hope in Gators fans, as Mertz seemed to resurrect his career after arriving from Wisconsin.
It’s unclear what the long-term outlook is for Mertz after this injury. Head coach Billy Napier updated the media in the immediate aftermath of the season-opening defeat to the Miami Hurricanes, telling reporters that the Florida quarterback suffered a concussion on the hit.
Billy Napier on Graham Mertz’s injury: “Graham had a concussion. He will be in protocol, and I will give an update when we meet next Monday.”
— Jack Meyer (@jackmeyerUF) August 31, 2024
A long-term absence would be unfortunate for Mertz, who was attempting to improve his 2025 NFL Draft stock in his sixth collegiate season. Mertz currently grades as a Day 3 pick on Pro Football Network’s board.
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