Florida QB DJ Lagway sidelined to open fall camp, with his latest injury being a calf strain
Lagway is dealing with a calf strain and wearing a walking boot, and coach Billy Napier offered no timetable on his star player's return. It's the latest injury issue for the highly touted sophomore who missed spring with a shoulder injury after undergoing sports hernia surgery.
'It's not ideal," Napier said Wednesday. 'In the perfect world, he would be perfect every day of the offseason. I think the good thing is his attitude toward it. I think that's a positive. ... He's in Year 2, I think he understands what's required to be ready. It's not ideal, but I think ultimately we'll come up with the best plan we can to have him ready.'
The Gators open training camp Wednesday. And Napier, unlike in previous years, closed viewing periods to media for the first three days.
Lagway, who went 6-1 in seven starts as a freshman in 2024, is widely considered a Heisman Trophy contender heading into this season. But he's barely been on the field at a time when he could be making significant strides.
He was limited during spring practice because of a right shoulder injury that could eventually need surgery. He resumed throwing in late April and said earlier this month at Southeastern Conference media days he would fully participate in camp.
But then he strained a calf muscle last week.
'Injuries are one of the terrible things about the profession and certainly for him being a Year 2 player and a really motivated and hungry guy," Napier said. "I think he's done a good job staying connected. I think he still has a voice as a leader. He's still walking the halls. He's still able to be a factor in that regard.
'But he's still a very young player and needs these reps for development as well. When he gets back, he'll be just fine. He's had a great attitude toward it, and we've got to help him manage expectations a little bit as well.'
Lagway completed 60% of his passes for 1,915 yards, with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2024. He took over the starting role after Graham Mertz tore a knee ligament at Tennessee in October.
Without Lagway now, journeyman Harrison Bailey is expected to get most of the first-team snaps. Bailey played at Tennessee, UNLV and Louisville before transferring to Florida earlier this year.
For Lagway, the calf injury is the latest in a growing list of setbacks over the last three years. The Willis, Texas, native injured his right foot during the Under Armour All-American Game in January 2024 and missed parts of training camp last fall because of shoulder soreness.
Lagway also strained his left hamstring against Georgia last year and missed the following week's game at Texas. He returned down the stretch and helped the Gators win their final four games.
'The sky's the limit for that kid,' teammate and defensive end Tyreak Sapp said. "That kid is not just blessed with a lot of ability; the kid is skilled. He practices what he preaches, and he comes in everyday and works hard, regardless of what it is. ... It's going to be super exciting to see what he does.
'I think those (injuries) happen. Obviously, it's unfortunate. We do our best to keep DJ healthy and keep DJ going. I know DJ's going to be able to show out and be himself — and be the best version of himself.'
___
Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
26 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Who is Laura Dahlmeier, the German biathlete who died after mountaineering accident in Pakistan?
Synopsis Laura Dahlmeier, the celebrated German biathlete and double Olympic champion, tragically died in a mountaineering accident on Laila Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range. A sudden rockfall struck Dahlmeier at an altitude of around 5,700 metres. Respecting her wishes, no recovery attempts were made, and tributes poured in from across the sporting world for the 31-year-old. AP German athlete Laura Dahlmeier Laura Dahlmeier, the celebrated German biathlete and double Olympic champion, tragically died in a mountaineering accident on Laila Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range. The incident occurred on July 28 at an altitude of around 5,700 metres, as she climbed with her mountaineering partner, Marina Eva Krauss, in the Hushe Valley of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. A sudden rockfall struck Dahlmeier, and adverse weather conditions hampered immediate rescue efforts. Her partner, Krauss, managed to descend safely and is reported to be in good health. Dahlmeier's management confirmed her death in a statement, noting that she most likely died instantly. Respecting her written wishes, no further recovery attempts were made. 'It was her wish to remain on the mountain in such a case,' her representatives said. Born in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Dahlmeier made history at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics by becoming the first female biathlete to win both sprint and pursuit gold at the same Games. She retired from biathlon in 2019 at the age of 25. Tributes poured in from across the sporting world. The International Olympic Committee remembered her as a trailblazer in women's biathlon, while Germany's Olympic Sports Confederation called her 'more than an Olympic champion – someone with heart, attitude, and vision.' The International Biathlon Union also honored her legacy, praising her passion for life and her lasting inspiration. Dahlmeier was 31. (With inputs from Reuters)
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Henrys triple strike leaves Zimbabwe struggling at 67-4 against New Zealand
Bulawayo (Zimbabwe), Jul 30 (AP) Fast bowler Matt Henry's triple strike on Wednesday provided New Zealand with a perfect start in its first test match against Zimbabwe in almost nine years. In an incisive opening spell of seven overs, Henry got the wickets of Brian Bennett (6) and Ben Curran (13). He then found the outside edge of Nick Welch (27) at the stroke of lunch to leave Zimbabwe in trouble at 67-4. Fast bowler Nathan Smith had reduced Zimbabwe to 31-3 when in-form Sean Williams (2) chopped a short ball back onto his stumps before captain Craig Ervine and Welch found some boundaries against spinners Mitchell Santer and Michael Bracewell. Ervine took 23 balls to get off the mark with a boundary through mid-off and was unbeaten on 13 at the break. Santner, captaining the Black Caps for the first time in the absence of injured Tom Latham, hoped his three fast bowlers get most out of a soft pitch after he lost the toss and was asked to field first. And Henry didn't disappoint his skipper. Bennett and Curran, recovered from a broken hand, both were caught by Will Young at the third slip as Henry consistently challenged the openers with his immaculate line and length. Welch and Ervine seemed to have settled down in the last half hour with their sweeps and reverse sweeps against the spinners before Henry returned and had Welch caught in the second slip. New Zealand has won 11 of its 17 test matches against Zimbabwe and drawn six. This is the first match between the two teams since 2016 in cricket's traditional format. Zimbabwe has a poor home test record with its last win coming against Pakistan in 2013. New Zealand, playing its first test of the year, is without several regulars with Latham still recovering from a shoulder injury and Glenn Phillips ruled out of the two-match series because of a groin strain sustained during the Major League Cricket competition in the U.S. Kane Williamson was unavailable for the series, and fast bowler Kyle Jamieson took time out to be at home for the birth of his first child. In Latham's absence, Santer became the 32nd test captain for the Black Caps. He led New Zealand to the tri-series title last week in Harare, beating South Africa in the final in the white ball format. This series is not part of the World Test Championship. Zimbabwe has played seven test matches this year, losing six and winning one. Zimbabwe is strengthened with the return of allrounder Sikandar Raza and opener Curran after missing out last home series against South Africa, which the Proteas won 2-0. (AP) DDV view comments First Published: July 30, 2025, 16:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
‘We take Mohammed Siraj for granted': Gambhir reminded as tireless pacer likely to spearhead attack again in final Test
Mohammed Siraj may not grab headlines as often as Jasprit Bumrah, but his relentless effort and high-voltage spells continue to play a pivotal role in India's campaign in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. As the five-Test series heads into its decider at The Oval, Siraj's performance has drawn strong praise from former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, who believes the pacer's contributions are often overlooked. India's Mohammed Siraj gestures on the third day of the fourth cricket test match between England and India at Emirates Old Trafford(AP) Despite India trailing 2-1 in the series, Siraj has emerged as the third-highest wicket-taker across both sides, claiming 14 wickets in seven innings at an average of 39.71. Parthiv, speaking on 'Game Plan' on JioHotstar, shed light on the temperament and discipline Siraj brings to the Indian pace attack. 'We tend to take Mohammed Siraj for granted,' he said. 'The effort he puts in, the intensity, and the smile he wears — no matter the match situation — that's commendable.' The Hyderabad pacer has quietly turned into one of India's most dependable bowlers across formats, and his commitment to maintaining pace and aggression even during difficult spells has not gone unnoticed. While his average this series may not suggest complete dominance, Siraj's ability to break crucial partnerships and bowl with energy across long spells has helped India stay in the fight. Bumrah's workload concerns With Bumrah's workload under close scrutiny, Siraj has been expected to step up more than usual, and he has embraced that responsibility. It was reported by ESPNCricinfo last night that Bumrah is set to be rested for the Oval Test, putting the spotlight once again on Siraj, who is expected to lead the Indian pace attack. While there has been no official word on Bumrah's availability yet, Parthiv hopes the premier pacer has a fourth outing in this series at The Oval. 'We're all aware of how carefully his workload is being managed. It was announced at the press conference that he would play only three Tests, so there are a lot of factors to consider -- recovery, fitness, workload. But I would personally want to see him play the final one. Hopefully, the support staff travelling with the team can help him recover in time,' said Parthiv. As India aims to draw the series and share the trophy, a standout performance from Siraj, particularly in the absence of Bumrah, could prove decisive.
