Florida
Graham Mertz injury update: Pete Thamel reveals latest on Florida QB's return from concussion
Florida Gators 2024 Record Prediction | Can Billy Napier, Graham Mertz Push For Bowl Berth?
Pete Thamel of ESPN provided the latest on Florida quarterback Graham Mertz’s return to the field, after the Gators star missed the second game of the season last weekend with a concussion.
During an appearance on College Football Live on ESPN on Tuesday, Thamel explained that Mertz is currently “trending well” in his recovery, and he could be ready for this weekend’s game against Texas A&M. Now, whether he starts over freshman DJ Lagway is a whole different debate.
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“There’s one more step for Graham Mertz to clear concussion protocol, I’ve been told it’s trending well,” Thamel said. “Billy Napier has already spoken openly about [Mertz] splitting snaps with DJ Lagway, the 5-star freshman this weekend.
“Lagway obviously got the start against Samford, played well, it’s all the trappings of a quarterback controversy there in Gainesville.”
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Whether’s there’s a controversy in Gainesville remains to be seen, but On3’s J.D. PicKell believes it should be Mertz, even if he understands that most fans prefer Lagway.
“Honestly, I understand the thoughts that, hey, DJ Lagway gives Billy Napier the best chance to save his job and all those things. I’m like, ‘Y’all, if you can’t beat Texas A&M with a sixth-year starting quarterback, if a freshman quarterback gives you a better chance to win the football game,’ Like, that in itself to me is a little bit of a cause for concern in terms of what this roster has on it – neither here nor there,” said PicKell. “The thing with me with why, if it’s me, why I like Graham Mertz to start for Florida? He, to me, just gives you the chance to run your entire offense.”
“Like, if I’m Billy Napier, I want my sixth-year quarterback out there and running the show. I want him to be the guy in the moment that’s going to dictate if we win or lose the football game. That, to me, is the more secure way to go about it.
Alas, it remains to be seen if Graham Mertz will be healthy enough to suit up, but if he does, Billy Napier and the Gators have a fascinating decision to make against the Aggies.
FORT MYERS, Fla. – An injured manatee and her calf are recovering after authorities on a boat rescued them from the Orange River near Fort Myers on Thursday.
What we know:
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said its Marine Unit, Advanced Technology Support Unit, drone pilots and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission helped in saving the pair after the mother was found hurt in the water and in need of medical attention.
READ: Missing Florida man found stuck in mud without food or water for days: PFD
Video shows authorities pulling the frantic manatees safely onto the boat in netting before taking them to shore.
Courtesy: Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Both animals will be taken to ZooTampa for evaluation and medical care.
What we don’t know:
LCSO did not say the extent of the mother’s injuries.
By the numbers:
As of Feb. 20, there have been 85 manatee deaths across Florida in 2026, according to the FWC. Last year reportedly saw a total of 632 manatee deaths.
Dig deeper:
Earlier this month, the FWC began investigating a spike in manatee deaths, specifically in Lee County, where officials say 25 were found dead within a week.
READ: FWC investigating spike in manatee deaths over the past week
The FWC believes these manatee deaths could be from several factors: cold stress, a lack of seagrass and polluted waterways.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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