Billy Napier updates DJ Lagway's status after Texas game
Billy Napier offered a status update on Florida quarterback DJ Lagway on Saturday, following the Gators’ brutal 49-17 road loss to the Texas Longhorns.
Lagway, who has been Florida’s starting quarterback since veteran Graham Mertz went down with an injury earlier this season, did not take the field in the loss due to an injury he suffered last weekend against Georgia.
It was backup Aidan Warner who got the nod in his place. Warner was 12-for-25 passing for 132 yards with 2 interceptions on Saturday.
Based on what Napier said, it seems that Lagway could have taken the field this weekend, but caution was taken to avoid putting him out there when he was not at full capacity.
“(Lagway) got better each day, a little bit better with each opportunity,” Napier said. “I do think he felt as probably good as he’s felt since the injury in pre-game … but not quite ready, I think you’re risking putting him out there with a soft tissue injury … but we’re hopeful he’s made some progress.”
#Gators coach Billy Napier says DJ Lagway "got better each day, a little bit better with each opportunity. I do think he felt as probably good as he's felt since the injury in pre-game…but not quite ready, I think you're risking putting him out there with a soft tissue…
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall) November 9, 2024
It seems there’s a sense of optimism here, but the Gators will certainly hope to have their QB1 back in full form in time for the next matchup on the schedule against the No. 14-ranked LSU Tigers in The Swamp. Kickoff between the two rival teams is set for 3:30 p.m. ET in Gainesville.
(.)
Oh, dang, I thought that Ole Miss was next, I was thinking they could wait to play Lagway. It’ll be a tough decision, but they shouldn’t play him until he’s ready.
Sounds like he might be (cautiously) back next week, so with that in mind 2 of the last 3 would be bowl eligibility and a possible 7-6 final season record. Don’t know how that may influence 2025 final signing or the portal outlook as a bridge but hopeful inasmuch as 6-7 wouldn’t move the needle much. The shocker is that I found myself really pulling for Georgia not only for obvious reasons but maybe to keep Kiffin in the 2026 mix. Saying 95 Hail-Maries didn’t cure that hypocritical thinking one iota …… :)
I think Kiffin only considers the job if he can bring his squirrels… ;)
The real determining factor if Lagway, is a judgment call, should be the health of our secondary. We aren’t winning another game, except maybe FSU, if we don’t get some defensive backs healthy.