- Mertz left the game shortly afterwards and did not return after the goal against Missouri
- The Tigers defeated the Gators 33-31 after Max Brown took over for Mertz
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After a huge collision with two Missouri defenders, Florida quarterback Graham Mertz will miss the remainder of the season with a collarbone injury.
The injury occurred during the third quarter of the Gators’ game against the Tigers, when Mertz ran the ball and had to gain extra yards to avoid a fourth down deep in Florida territory.
At full speed, the 22-year-old collided with Tigers defensemen Chuck Hicks and Ennis Rakestraw, causing all three to drop their shoulders, leading to a barbaric impact.
Mertz picked up the first down after staying on his feet after the hit. Originally, Hicks was the player to be monitored by medical professionals on the field.
However, after one more play, Mertz was removed from the game completely, with the quarterback not returning. Hicks returned to the game shortly afterwards.
Graham Mertz is out for the rest of the season after a brutal collision against Missouri
Mertz’s move to connect with two Missouri defensemen ultimately cost him his season
The QB moved from Wisconsin to Florida and led the Gators to a 5-5 record before suffering an injury
Florida head coach Billy Napier said after the game that Mertz’s injury is “significant.”
Mertz was replaced for the remainder of the game against the Tigers by backup Max Brown, who temporarily helped the Gators take the lead against the No. 9 team in the country.
Mizzou ultimately won the game on a last-second field goal and improved to 9-2, while the Gators fell to 5-6.
Florida now must defeat Florida State 11-0 to reach the six-win threshold in the regular season finale next week.
Brown is expected to start that game against the No. 4 Seminoles.
The collegiate matchup in the Sunshine State is expected to be a battle of former backup quarterbacks as Jordan Travis, Florida State’s starter for every other game this season, also suffered a significant leg injury on Saturday.