Will Duke QB Riley Leonard play at Florida State? Mike Elko provided an upbeat update
Duke coach Mike Elko expressed optimism about injured quarterback Riley Leonard on Tuesday night, as the No. 16 Blue Devils prepare for Saturday night’s game at No. 4 Florida State.
“I do think there’s a chance we get him back and get him healthy by Saturday,” Elko said on his weekly radio show.
Recovering from a high ankle sprain, Leonard did not play when Duke beat N.C. State, 24-3, Saturday night at Wallace Wade Stadium. He suffered the injury Sept. 30 in a 21-14 loss to Notre Dame.
At his weekly press conference Monday, Elko said Leonard was “day to day,” which was the same terminology used last week.
But Tuesday, Elko said Leonard was at practice earlier that day “out there throwing the ball around.”
Elko cautioned the coaching and medical staffs would make sure Leonard would be able to move around well enough to protect himself before clearing him to play.
Leonard started 17 consecutive games over the past two seasons before not suiting up against N.C. State. Redshirt freshman Henry Belin IV got the start, throwing a pair of touchdown passes and one interception. Leonard was on Duke’s sideline in street clothes during the game.
Elko said getting that first start puts Belin in a much better to be successful in his next start.
“Now he’s one game further along from a maturity standpoint, which will pay huge dividends I think for him moving forward,” Elko said.
Belin is preparing to start again if Leonard is unable to go at FSU.
A final decision on who will start isn’t expected to be made until Saturday.
The 6-foot-4, 212-pound Leonard has completed 62.7% of his passes thus season, throwing for three touchdowns with one interception. He’s amassed 912 passing yards.
Also a big threat in the running game, Leonard has 326 rushing yards with four touchdowns. He’s averaged 6.9 yards per carry.
This story was originally published October 18, 2023 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Will Duke QB Riley Leonard play at Florida State? Mike Elko provided an upbeat update."