The Notre Dame Fighting Irish head into halftime down 10-3 to the Penn State Nittany Lions. However, can they complete a comeback without their starting QB? Riley Leonard exited the game just before the half. What happened, and will he return?
Latest Riley Leonard Injury Update
On 1st and 10, with 1:34 left before halftime, Leonard faced pressure from the right and attempted to move up to the left and dump the ball off. Unfortunately, he rolled right into 6’1″, 304-pound defensive tackle Dvon J-Thomas, who launched into his chest and brought him to the ground.
As J-Thomas’ body weight came down on Leonard, the QB’s head bounced off the ground.
Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard is getting checked after this hit in the 2nd Q. Steve Angeli is in the game. pic.twitter.com/PChSdlb44e
— Sports Injury Central (@SICscore) January 10, 2025
While Leonard was able to get up on his own power, he was visibly shaken. The trainers immediately took him into the blue medical tent for a concussion evaluation.
Leonard left the contest after going 6 of 11 passing for 63 yards and an interception while rushing for another seven yards. Left tackle Anthonie Knapp was also sidelined with an ankle injury and has since been ruled out.
Backup Steve Angeli stepped in for Leonard and sparked the offense, completing 6 of 7 passes for 44 yards and orchestrating their lone scoring drive, capped by a field goal.
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After halftime, head coach Marcus Freeman confirmed Leonard had been in concussion protocol but was asymptomatic and would return to the contest.
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