Florida football injury update: Nine players out for UF vs Samford

Nine players are out for the Florida football in Saturday night's game against Samford (7 p.m., SEC Network Plus).

Starting quarterback Graham Mertz remains in concussion protocol and did not suit up for the Florida Gators . Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway will get his first career start.

Also sidelined are starting safety Asa Turner (undisclosed), starting cornerback Devin Moore (shoulder), defensive lineman Joey Slackman (undisclosed), defensive back Sharif Denson (undisclosed), wide receiver Ja'Quavion Fraziars (leg) and safety Bryce Thornton (undisclosed). DJ Douglas is slated to start at safety for Turner, sophomore Ja'Keem Jackson will start at cornerback for Moore and sophomore Aaron Gates will start at defensive back for Denson.

Starting wide receiver Kahleil Jackson is out for the 2024 season after suffering a torn ACL this week. Arizona State transfer Elijhah Badger will start at wide receiver for Jackson. Also out for the season is defensive lineman Jarmari Lyons (broken ankle).

Florida (0-1) is looking to snap a six-game losing streak dating back to the end of the 2023 season. UF opened the season with a 41-17 loss to Miami.

"We've got a lot of football ahead of us, and I think ultimately we'll prove over time that we can play better than that," Florida football coach Billy Napier said. "I really believe that."

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida football injury update: Nine players out for UF vs Samford