UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel is out indefinitely after suffering a broken clavicle on the last play of Friday's 42-35 road loss to Louisville. Gabriel made the announcement on his Instagram page.
"I'd like to start by thanking my family, friends, coaches, teammates and fans for all the love," he wrote. "Unfortunately, in last night's game I fractured my clavicle. I thank God that I will not need surgery, but at this point there is no timetable for my return. Thank you to everyone for their support during this time. I know I'll be back better than ever. Go Knights. Charge on."
Gabriel was 22 of 29 for 184 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception in the game. The injury occurred after he completed a hook and ladder, and the Knights executed multiple other laterals in a last-ditch effort to try to the game. He was carted off the field and taken in for X-rays at the stadium.
The 6-foot, 200-pound junior has 814 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions through three games this year. He led the nation in passing last year with 357 yards per game, and finished fourth in the nation in touchdown passes with 32.
Ex-Auburn and Kentucky quarterback Joey Gatewood could assume the starting role for the Knights. Gatewood transferred to the program to reunite with coach Gus Malzahn, who coached Gatewood with the Tigers from 2018-19. Gatewood is more of a bruising runner between the tackles, but has a big arm and familiarity within Malzahn's offense. Freshman Mikey Keene, who has thrown seven passes in three games behind Gabriel, is also an option moving forward for the Knights.
