Florida quarterback Graham Mertz put his body on the line Saturday and paid the price against Missouri.
Mertz made several big plays for Florida against the No. 9-ranked Missouri side at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Mo.
Perhaps the most impressive of Mertz’s moments Saturday came late in the third quarter. The Gators were down 23-21 and were facing third-and-5 at their own 30. Mertz ran for an 11-yard gain after breaking through several tackles.
GRAHAM MERTZ. THAT’S OUR QB.
TAKE MY SHOULDER GRAHAM pic.twitter.com/Z2jM0We1Ce
— Old Row Florida (@OldRowGators) November 19, 2023
However, the play resulted in Mertz hurting his shoulder. He was forced to exit the field to get X-rays taken. He was later shown in an arm sling on the ESPN broadcast and did not return to the field.
Prior to exiting hurt, Mertz went 14-of-21 for 183 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
Mertz’s injury casts doubt on his availability for Florida’s season-ending clash against Florida State next weekend.
The Florida State-Florida rivalry game may feature two backup QBs after Florida State star Jordan Travis suffered a serious injury in the Seminoles’ win over North Alabama.
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