Is Graham Mertz playing today vs. Samford? Florida QB's status explored ahead of Week 2

Graham Mertz has been the talk of the town for the Florida Gators ahead of Week 2 of the 2024 college football season. The quarterback exited the Aug. 31 game against No. 19 Miami with an unspecified upper-body injury after taking a hit during the third quarter. Now, fans are curious to learn about Mertz's status for Florida's game against Samford later on Saturday.

Graham Mertz injury update

Florida Gators QB Graham Mertz - Source: Imagn

As per reports, Mertz is in the concussion protocol and will miss Saturday's game against Samford. On Wednesday, Florida coach Billy Napier confirmed that Mertz did not practice with the team as he continues his recovery.

"Graham did not practice today,'' Napier said. "He is farther into the protocol and he's doing better, but he's hasn't quite passed the final test. He's doing better, but he's not quite there."

Napier also said DJ Lagway will lead Florida's offense in Mertz's absence.

"So, as of now, DJ will start the game and then Clay [Millen] and Aidan [Warner] will be the backups." Napier said.

What happened to Graham Mertz?

Mertz took a knock in the third quarter of Florida's game against in-state foes Miami in Week 1 and hit his head on the turf. He was removed from the matchup, and it was later reported that the quarterback suffered a concussion.

Mertz completed 11 of 20 passes for 91 yards and an interception against the Hurricanes before being replaced by Lagway. The Gators lost their season opener 41-17.

When will Graham Mertz return?

The Gators have not announced a timeline for Mertz's return. However, the latest update from coach Napier suggests that the player is recovering well. Napier had initially suggested that Mertz would have a slim chance of playing in Week 2, but that is now unlikely.

The Gators will welcome the Samford Bulldogs (0-1) to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET and will not be available on linear television. Instead, fans can livestream the contest on ESPN+ and SEC Network +.

Samford opened its season with a 38-29 loss against West Georgia in Week 1.