As the Florida Gators prepare for a pivotal Week 12 SEC matchup against No. 21 LSU, all eyes are on the recovery of star freshman quarterback DJ Lagway. Lagway, sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury in Week 10, remains listed as “questionable” for Saturday’s game, though there’s optimism about his return.
Lagway’s Recovery Progress
Head coach Billy Napier offered encouraging updates throughout the week, confirming that Lagway returned to practice on Monday and has shown steady improvement. “DJ continues to improve,” Napier stated during Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference. “We’ve seen progress every day, and he’s participating more in practice. We’re trending in the right direction.”
Napier emphasized caution in Lagway’s recovery, highlighting the risks of rushing him back too soon. The Gators held him out of last week’s loss to Texas, opting for a controlled environment to ensure full recovery. Metrics indicate Lagway is nearing readiness, but the team remains vigilant about avoiding setbacks.
Florida’s Quarterback Shuffle
Florida’s quarterback depth has been tested throughout 2024:
Graham Mertz, the initial starter, suffered a season-ending ACL tear.
DJ Lagway, the highly-touted five-star freshman, stepped in but was sidelined with the hamstring injury.
Aidan Warner, the third-string QB, has been thrust into action in Lagway’s absence.
Napier expressed confidence in Warner’s growth but acknowledged the challenges of relying on a less experienced player.
Game Implications
The Gators (6-4) face a must-win scenario against LSU to solidify their bowl eligibility and salvage a turbulent season marred by injuries. If Lagway is cleared to play, his return could provide the spark Florida desperately needs to compete against a strong LSU squad.
Saturday’s showdown will test the Gators’ resilience and strategic adjustments as they navigate their quarterback dilemma and aim to close the season on a high note.
