Sad news for Florida Gators: he won’t play again

The Florida Gators have faced significant challenges during the 2024 football season, with injuries sidelining key players and impacting the team’s performance.

Graham Mertz’s Season-Ending Injury

In October 2024, starting quarterback Graham Mertz suffered a torn ACL during the Gators’ 23-17 overtime loss to the Tennessee Volunteers. This injury not only ended his season but also concluded his college career, as 2024 was his final year of eligibility. Mertz had been a pivotal player for Florida, leading the team with 2,903 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and only three interceptions prior to his injury. citeturn0search7

Impact on the Team

Mertz’s absence thrust true freshman DJ Lagway into the starting quarterback role. Lagway, a five-star recruit, showcased potential with an average of 10 yards per attempt and a 65.3% completion rate. However, his inexperience was evident, as he committed four interceptions and one fumble over 177 snaps. citeturn0news24 The transition period was challenging for the Gators, who sought their first victory against the Kentucky Wildcats since 2020.

Additional Injuries Compounding Challenges

The Gators’ struggles were further exacerbated by injuries to other key players:

• Eugene Wilson III: The starting wide receiver underwent hip surgery in late October 2024, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. His absence deprived the Gators of a dynamic offensive weapon. citeturn0search8
• Shemar James: The standout linebacker suffered a season-ending knee injury before the Week 9 matchup against Georgia. At the time of his injury, James had recorded 55 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, and one sack over eight games. citeturn0search15
• Kahleil Jackson: The wide receiver was ruled out for the season in September 2024 due to an ACL injury, further depleting the Gators’ receiving corps. citeturn0search4
• Jason Marshall Jr.: The senior cornerback was listed as “out” on the team’s availability report in late October 2024, indicating a significant loss in the defensive secondary. citeturn0search0

Looking Ahead

As the Gators approached the final quarter of the regular season, the coaching staff focused on replenishing the lineup and getting injured players back. The team’s lengthy injury report highlighted the challenges faced, but also underscored the resilience and adaptability of the roster. citeturn0search9

The Gators’ ability to navigate these adversities will be crucial in their quest to finish the season on a positive note.

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