This story was updated with new information.
Vanderbilt football quarterback Diego Pavia hobbled off the field with an apparent lower-body injury after taking a hit during the fourth quarter of the game against South Carolina on Saturday at FirstBank Stadium.
Pavia appeared to have found receiver Loic Fouonji on a third-and-17, but the play was called back for offensive pass interference. On the ensuing third-and-26, backup quarterback Nate Johnson came in and ran the ball, resulting in fourth down and a punt. Pavia hobbled off the field with help after the injury.
After the punt, Vanderbilt did not get the ball back and Pavia did not return. The Commodores lost, 28-7. Postgame, Lea said that Pavia was still getting evaluated for his injury and that the team was not sure yet how serious it was.
Pavia has dealt with multiple injuries this season, including knee and shoulder issues, but he has always played through them, never missing more than a handful of plays.
Pavia on Friday filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking an extra season of eligibility.
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Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter, @aria_gerson.
