GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s quarterback DJ Lagway has sustained a hamstring injury that is reportedly “less significant” than first thought, leaving the possibility open for him to participate in the game against No. 5 Texas on Saturday. Coach Billy Napier commented on Monday that the decision would largely depend on Lagway’s progress throughout the week, indicating optimism for a potential return to the field.

Lagway exited the game during the second quarter of the Gators’ 34-20 defeat to No. 2 Georgia. Following the injury, he was spotted on the sideline in the second half with his injured leg wrapped and using crutches. He is the latest quarterback to be sidelined this season, as starter Graham Mertz is out due to a torn ligament in his left knee.

In a dramatic moment during the Gators’ matchup, replays captured Lagway reaching for his left hamstring while attempting a 3-yard run. As he was carted off the field to cheers from the crowd, Florida was leading 10-3 in this intense rivalry game popularly known as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.”

With Mertz unavailable for the remainder of the season, the Gators will likely rely on walk-on Aidan Warner if Lagway is unable to play. Warner had a challenging outing against the formidable SEC defense, finishing with 7 completions out of 22 attempts for 66 yards, including one interception that contributed to a late touchdown. He was also sacked twice in the game.

Lagway, a promising freshman prospect from Texas, had already made a significant impact this season, completing 2 of 6 passes for 47 yards against Georgia, including a 43-yard touchdown pass to Aidan Mizell. Over his two starts, he has demonstrated impressive statistics, with a completion rate of 61% and a total of 1,071 passing yards, along with six touchdowns and five interceptions. His exceptional ability to execute deep throws has aligned perfectly with Napier’s read-option offense.

The effectiveness of Warner within this offensive scheme remains uncertain. The situation is particularly troubling for Florida, which has found itself in a position where a walk-on is serving as the third-string quarterback. Napier’s tenure has seen an unsettling trend, having lost eight scholarship quarterbacks earlier than anticipated, including transfers like Jalen Kitna, Jack Miller, and Max Brown. Moreover, signee Jaden Rashada, whose NIL deal fell apart and prevented him from joining the Gators, is now engaged in a lawsuit against Napier and a prominent booster.

Adding to the depth, Colorado State transfer Clay Millen is currently on scholarship and is positioned behind Warner on the team’s depth chart. The Gators are navigating a challenging situation as they prepare for their next game.