Florida quarterback DJ Lagway will return against LSU on Saturday and is expected to start, head coach Billy Napier announced Thursday on his radio show.
Lagway was carted off the field against Georgia two weeks ago with a hamstring injury, but Napier later said the injury wasn’t as bad as initially feared. Lagway missed last week’s game against Texas and Aidan Warner filled in, completing just 12 of 25 passes with an interception in a 49-17 loss.
Lagway, a true freshman and former five-star recruit, had been the starter since Graham Mertz suffered a season-ending injury against Tennessee. Lagway took over in that game and later led the Gators to a 48-20 win against Kentucky.
Napier also said receiver Elijhah Badger is expected to be available. Badger has 24 catches for 560 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Both Lagway and Badger were listed as questionable on Wednesday’s SEC availability report, but neither appeared on Thursday’s report, meaning they’ll be available.
The Gators are 4-5 this season and must win two of their last three games against LSU, Ole Miss and Florida State in order to reach a bowl game, but athletic director Scott Stricklin has already announced that Florida is sticking with Napier as its coach.
(Photo of DJ Lagway: Tim Warner / Getty Images)
