UPDATE: Gators' QB Graham Mertz, RB Montrell Johnson Jr. Injured vs. Tennessee

The Florida Gators' starting quarterback and running back left the game on the same drive with apparent lower-body injuries midway through the third quarter.

Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) hands the ball to running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (1) against the Tennessee Volunteers / Angelina Alcantar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.-- In the Florida Gators 23-17 overtime loss to No. 8 Tennessee, quarterback Graham Mertz suffered an apparent lower-body injury following an awkward landing after throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Arlis Boardingham.

The injury, which occurred with 7:18 left in the third quarter, came after Mertz twisted his body on the throw and landed awkwardly on his right knee. He limped off the field and proceeded to slam his helmet on the ground once he made it to the sideline. He later went into the injury tent and was seen walking under his own power on the sideline, albeit with a significant limp.

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

"Obviously Graham played phenomenal in the game. I thought he was lights out," said UF head coach Billy Napier after the game. "Really prepared well and came to play. He does have an injury, a lower-body injury. Obviously, we'll give you some updates on that when we get to next week. It was significant enough that he couldn't complete the game."

TOUCHDOWN GATORS‼️

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/wGWnhU8Rrx

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 13, 2024

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

Lagway eventually hit Chimere Dike for the game-tying touchdown to send the game into overtime. Should Mertz be unable to play the rest of the season, the keys to Florida's offense will be handed over to Lagway, who already started a game in Mertz's place after the veteran suffered a concussion in the loss to Miami.

“Well, he started one game earlier in the year and then obviously he’s had an opportunity to contribute each week. He’ll be more prepared. But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. I have absolute confidence in DJ Lagway," Napier said.

That start, a 45-7 win over Samford, saw Lagway throw for 456 yards, a program freshman record, and three touchdowns.

Mertz's injury was the second to 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 accounted for 85 rushing yards at the time of his injury and was replaced by Jadan Baugh and Ja'Kobi Jackson.

Florida head coach Billy Napier will be expected to give an update on Mertz and Johnson Jr. on Monday. Florida next plays Kentucky on Oct. 19 for UF's homecoming. Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. with television coverage on SEC Network.