Latest DJ Lagway injury update puts positive spin on his future with the Florida Gators

Florida Gators starting quarterback DJ Lagway didn't throw during all of spring practice due to a reported shoulder injury. It appears that the injury might not be what we thought.

Former Gators wide receiver and current SEC Network analyst Chris Doering made an appearance on the Crain and Company podcast to talk about the Gators' 2025 season, and dropped an interesting nugget about the injury.

"Holding him out during the spring was just precautionary. A lot of people talking about the shoulder, (but) the reports that I heard that it was some sort of hernia type issue that made it back to his high school days that they were aware of, that they were trying to rest and not have too much strain on the shoulder by having him throw when his midsection wasn't right."

Florida Gators QB DJ Lagway has hernia injury

This piece of information makes a ton of sense with Lagway. Having to rest that kind of injury for that kind of time is a better explanation for a hernia versus a shoulder injury. Having a hernia can impact mechanics and put a lot more strain on the elbow and shoulder.

Doering continued about what Lagway's injury means to this season, and that missed throwing time during spring practice could be very impactful.

"ou may have gotten it healthy, but you lost a lot of practice time, a lot of time with new receivers. We go into talking about some of those weapons, but going out, getting J. Michael Sturdivant from UCLA, Dallas Wilson and (Vernell) Brown from the high school ranks, just continuing to create more continuity with your offense as a whole.

"For any quarterback it's important, but (for) a freshman quarterback that only played half the games last year, it definitely makes you a little nervous. Now, with that being said, I think people look at DJ Lagway and say, look how well he played last year with the hamstring injury and everything else. Imagine what he's going to be like if he's actually healthy and gets a full season under his belt.

"Keeping him upright is of utmost importance. I'm anxious to see him more involved in the run game too, so he certainly can affect the defense with the dude is massive. I mean, he's like 250 pounds."

It's wild to think that we haven't seen the best of Lagway yet, or even all of what Lagway can offer. Think about what Cam Newton did during his career. Now, it's not exactly a 1:1 comparison, but the size and skill set profiles are somewhat similar.

If they have the hernia under control, the sky is the limit for Lagway and the Gators this year.