Gators QB Graham Mertz injured against Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz left the team's game against Tennessee with an apparent lower-body injury after landing awkwardly following a 13-yard touchdown pass to Arlis Boardingham.

The injury, which occurred with 7:18 left in the third quarter, occurred after Mertz twisted while throwing and landed awkwardly on his right knee. He hobbled off the field and slammed his helmet on the ground as he reached the sideline. He later went to the injury tent and was seen walking under his own power on the sideline, albeit with a noticeable limp.

He eventually went to the Gators' locker room and returned to the sideline in street clothes and on crutches.

At the time of his injury, No. 8 Florida led Tennessee 10-0, with Mertz throwing for 125 yards and completing 11 of his 15 passes. Freshman DJ Lagway, who had already rotated during the game, replaced Mertz on the next drive and immediately threw an interception that led to a Tennessee field goal.

Mertz's injury was the second for a UF starter on the drive after running back Montrell Johnson Jr. left the game with a lower-body injury following an awkward tackle on a 20-yard rush. Johnson Jr. had accumulated 85 rushing yards at the time of his injury and was replaced by Jadan Baugh and Ja'Kobi Jackson.

Florida head coach Billy Napier is expected to provide an update on Mertz and Johnson Jr. in his postgame press conference. At the time the updated story was published, Tennessee had led the game 17-10 late in the fourth quarter.