Florida QB Graham Mertz Injured vs. Missouri, Goes to Locker Room
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Gators starting quarterback Graham Mertz exited Florida's Week 12 matchup with No. 9 Missouri in the third quarter due to an apparent left shoulder injury.
Following a handoff to running back Montrell Johnson Jr. that went for two yards, Mertz waved redshirt freshman backup quarterback Max Brown onto the field while favoring his right shoulder. Near the sideline, Mertz fell to the ground at the request of UF's coaches to force an official timeout.
On the previous play, Mertz split two Tigers defenders on a 3rd and 5 rush for seven yards, welcoming significant contact as he pushed for a first down conversion successfully.
Mertz was escorted to Florida's locker room by several transfers upon evaluation on the sideline. UF did not provide an update on Mertz's status during the game.
At the time of his injury, Mertz had completed 14 of his 21 passing attempts with 183 yards, two touchdowns and his first interception since Florida's Week 5 matchup with Kentucky, as the Tigers led the Gators, 23-21, with roughly one minute left in the third quarter.
An offseason transfer from Wisconsin and redshirt junior, Mertz has produced a career year during his first season with the Gators. Through over ten games, Mertz has completed 72.9% of his 358 passes for 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He's added four scores on the ground.
For his efforts on the campaign, Mertz was named to the Davey O'Brien Award watch list and Quarterback Class of 2023 on Oct. 31.
Prior to his filling in for Mertz in Week 12, Brown — also a member of Florida's baseball team — had completed six of seven passes for 50 yards over four career appearances.
This story will be updated as further details emerge.
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