PHOTO: Florida Gators QB Graham Mertz gives fans a sneak peek into recovery journey following season-ending injury

The loss of quarterback Graham Mertz hit the Florida Gators and coach Billy Napier hard. The season-ending ACL injury that also marked the end of Mertz's college career happened during the Gators' 23-17 overtime loss to the Tennessee Volunteers in Week 7.

Mertz underwent surgery on the injured knee two weeks ago and on Friday, he shared pictures of his progress on Instagram. In the picture, the stitches from the surgery are still visible as the Gators quarterback lay on a recovery bed. He posted a verse from Proverbs 3:5-6 and captioned the picture:

"Week 1."

Mertz's IG stories

Graham Mertz charts his future in football

After transferring from the Wisconsin Badgers in 2022 via the transfer portal, Graham Mertz has had both of his seasons in Florida interrupted by season-ending injuries.

Backup quarterback DJ Lagway will step into the breach vacated by Mertz and during an appearance on the "Paul Finebaum Show," Mertz revealed how he intends to help his teammates finish the season.

“It’s up to me with how I treat it. I can either be woe is me or feeling sorry for myself or I can keep continuing to bring joy and happiness every day when I step into the building," Mertz said.

"But I think my job right now is to help. I mean, I said it in my post, it’s my job to help this team win any way I can. For right now, it’s the meeting rooms. It’s talking through defensive structures, our game plan and prepping as if I’m playing."

Graham Mertz, who also suffered a concussion earlier in the season, had a mixed season. He completed 72 of 94 passes for 791 yards, resulting in six touchdowns and two interceptions.

With his eligibility expired, Mertz also outlined how he planned to confront his future and a possible NFL shot.

"Being able to do a pro day, hopefully get to the combine and throw. I think the biggest thing for me is, look, I love the game of football," Mertz said.

"I’m going to do everything I can to get back, be healthy, and set myself up to go play. For me, that’s the main focus,” Mertz added. “Haven’t really thought about the other thing. I mean, obviously, I’ve had a lot of time in college to think about that stuff. For me, I’m not sure yet to be completely honest.”

Graham Mertz will have four games to help his Florida Gators teammates prepare for a possible bowl run following a rough start to the season.