Mertz’s homecoming was short-lived in the Gators’ 41-17 loss to Miami on Saturday.
Mertz went down with a concussion with 35 seconds left in the third quarter, putting his status for next week’s home game against Samford in question. Two Hurricanes hit Mertz as he dropped back to pass on the Miami 24, resulting in an interception.
After the game, Florida head coach Billy Napier said that Mertz suffered a concussion and explained that “he’ll be in protocol.” Napier said there will be more information in the coming week.
“We’ll give an update when we meet with [media] Monday and Wednesday,” Napier said.
Before his injury, the sixth-year senior completed 11 of 20 passes for 91 yards, struggling to eclipse the 100-yard mark through three quarters. The Florida offense had been up-and-down, with Mertz failing to connect on multiple deep shots to receiver Elijhah Badger. Miami constantly put Mertz under duress throughout the first half, forcing him to make decisions on a quicker timetable than he likely envisioned. Mertz was sacked twice before his game-ending hit.
It marked the second consecutive game Mertz had to exit with an injury. Mertz was hurt in his last start at Missouri in November, suffering a season-ending broken collarbone.
Florida center Jake Slaughter spoke about the offensive line’s perspective when its quarterback gets injured.
“It hurts the pride. That’s something that you can control that we need to control better,” Slaughter said, adding the Gators’ offensive line needs to “execute” in future games.
Mertz entered this season with lofty expectations, coming off his first campaign with the Gators, in which he threw for 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns and three interceptions. He led the Southeastern Conference in completion percentage (72.3).
Mertz decided to return for his sixth season of college football and fifth as a starter. He was named a captain of the Gators squad as they faced Miami in the season opener.
The timetable for Mertz’s return remains uncertain, but fellow Gators captain Shemar James said after the game that he hopes Mertz is back soon.
“I’ll be praying for him, hoping he will get back,”…
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