Report: DJ Uiagalelei may be dealing with long-term injury

DJ Uiagalelei talks at a newcomer availability for FSU on February 14, 2024. Photo Credit: Ehsan Kassim/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK

Florida State’s nightmare season only seems to be getting worse, and it is taking quarterback DJ Uiagalelei down with it.

Uiagalelei suffered a hand injury in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 42-16 loss to SMU, and initial reports suggest the injury may be a long-term problem. Matt Zenitz of 247 Sports reported Monday that there is concern within the program that Uiagalelei’s hand injury could be serious and have a long-term impact.

Uiagalelei was playing poorly on Saturday even before suffering the injury. While he had 223 passing yards and two touchdowns, he had also thrown three interceptions before leaving the game. Through four games, he has only four touchdown passes to go with six interceptions, and had been criticized throughout the season for his performances. Redshirt freshman Brock Glenn replaced him in Saturday’s game and would presumably get the starting nod going forward if Uiagalelei cannot play.

After failing to lock down the Clemson quarterback job, Uiagalelei brought his stock back up in a successful stint at Oregon State. When he transferred to Florida State, he did so with the expectation that he would be quarterbacking a College Football Playoff contender in 2024. Instead, he has not played well, and the Seminoles are a miserable 1-4 and facing a lost season.