This story was updated to add new information
Time froze in Jacksonville as [autotag]DJ Lagway[/autotag] clutched his left hamstring and left the field on the trainer’s cart in the second quarter on Saturday against Georgia.
Lagway led the Gators to a 10-3 lead over the first 25 minutes of action, including a 43-yard touchdown pass to Aidan Mizell, before going down on Florida’s fourth drive of the day.
Lagway wasn’t hit particularly hard on the play, but his left foot gave out and he clutched his hamstring immediately. Yale transfer Aidan Warner took over for the rest of the drive, which ended in a punt after an overthrow.
Unable to put weight on his left leg, Lagway needed to be lifted onto the cart before departing the field. The entire team came out to wish him well, and some Georgia players and coaches, including Kirby Smart, were nearby as well.
Field conditions at EverBank Stadium
It’s not the first time the playing surface at EverBank Stadium has led to a Gators injury. Linebacker Shemar James hurt himself during warmups ahead of last year’s Florida-Georgia game. Although head coach Billy Napier waived off any blame directed at the turf, questions still lingered following another injury in the game.
According to the News-Press, EverBank Stadium was re-sodded on Oct. 23 ahead of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers game.
“Field conditions are very good,” Mike Kenny, general manager of venue management company ASM Global, said. “The Jaguars had no issues during their game, and I can’t imagine there will be any on Saturday. If anything it will be better because we’ve had one more week to work on it and the weather has cooperated.”
Gators looking to pull off upset without Lagway
As the game clock reached triple-zeroes in the first half, no word on the severity of Lagway’s injury had come in, but most of Gator Nation is preparing to move forward without him for the rest of the game and perhaps longer.
UPDATE: Billy Napier spoke to ESPN’s sideline reporter Holly Rowe ahead of halftime and provided the following update.
“He’s got a hamstring,” Napier said. “Pretty significant one. But he’s a tough kid. Look, I can promise you one thing, this team will rally behind him for sure.”
The Gators lead 13-6 at halftime.
As more information becomes available, Gators Wire will provide updates.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.