GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Despite suffering from a strained left hamstring, Florida’s quarterback DJ Lagway participated in limited practice on Wednesday.
The Gators, currently with a record of 4-4 and 2-3 in the Southeastern Conference, have listed Lagway as questionable for their upcoming game against the fifth-ranked Texas Longhorns (7-1, 3-1) this Saturday.
Lagway experienced the injury during the second quarter of last week’s game, a 34-20 defeat against the second-ranked Georgia. He sustained the injury while attempting a three-yard run, which led to him being carted off. Later in the game, he was seen on the sidelines with his leg wrapped and utilizing crutches.
Coach Billy Napier provided an update on Monday, indicating that Lagway’s injury was “less significant” than initially feared. He expressed optimism about Lagway’s recovery, suggesting that there is a chance the freshman quarterback could return to the field this season, potentially against the Longhorns.
“He’s trying,” Napier remarked after Wednesday’s practice. “He’s a competitor. He’s going back to his home state. He wants to see if he can make this work. It’s touch and go, but he’s giving it his all.”
Napier mentioned that a final decision regarding Lagway’s play status would be made by Saturday. The situation is further complicated by the absence of starting quarterback Graham Mertz, who is sidelined for the season due to a torn ligament in his left knee incurred during a game against Tennessee.
After Lagway’s exit from the last game, the Gators turned to Aidan Warner, a walk-on and former Yale player, to face one of the top defenses in the SEC. If Lagway is unable to play, Warner is expected to step in as the starter in Austin.
“I think he’s improved each day,” Napier noted regarding Warner’s performance. “Today was his most effective practice yet. He seems to be getting a bit more comfortable with the offense and has been taking on more reps than usual.”
No matter who takes the snaps at quarterback, the Gators will also miss one of their key wide receivers against Texas. Sophomore Eugene Wilson III recently underwent hip surgery in Chicago and has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Napier mentioned that Wilson is anticipated to undergo a four-month recovery period.
The Tampa native and son of a two-time Super Bowl-winning safety currently ranks third on the team with 19 receptions, accumulating 266 yards and a touchdown this season.
“Wilson had a genetic hip issue that required intervention,” said Napier. “We explored all options, and I believe we made the best choice for his long-term career concerning the complications caused by the injury during competition.”