Florida Gators QB DJ Lagway’s injury gets much-needed clarity, but questions still remain
The injury status of Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway is the biggest story of the offseason. He hasn’t been throwing all spring, and for good reason. His shoulder injury has been a big thing for the Gators, and we are starting to get some clarity.
USA Today’s Matt Hayes reported that Lagway’s shoulder injury stems from high school and he will need shoulder surgery at some point.
The two people close to the situation said the shoulder injury, more than likely, will need surgery at some point. The hope is offseason rest – as many as six months of non-throwing – will strengthen the shoulder, or at least allow Lagway to play the 2025 season.
DJ Lagway’s shoulder will require surgery
This revelation is a big one for the Gators. Lagway’s shoulder needing surgery is a big deal, especially since his arm has an insane amount of velocity. Having that in a good spot is paramount for both Lagway and the Gators.
This has been a lingering issue for Lagway, as he injured the shoulder in high school, per Hayes. It’s a big deal that this injury is still lingering, but the biggest question is that we don’t know what the injury is.
All we know is that Lagway has an injured throwing shoulder. We don’t know what exactly the injury is. Is it his labrum? If it is, that’s an issue, but it’s not going to be a major problem structurally.
The big concern here is if it’s a rotator cuff injury. That could be massively detrimental to his throwing arm now and in the future.
Lagway trying the rest method so he can play in 2025 is good for head coach Billy Napier, who is firmly on the hot seat. Is it good for Lagway long-term? Only a doctor can answer that question.
For now, the Gators play the wait and see game with Lagway, but surgery this year is still on the table if they don’t get the results they want.
