Riley Leonard injury updates: Notre Dame QB returns to Orange Bowl vs Penn State after concussion scare
(This story has been updated with the latest information).
In the College Football Playoff Orange Bowl semifinal, Notre Dame football is struggling against No. 6 Penn State, finding themselves behind early in the first half.
Compounding their issues, the Irish briefly lost their starting quarterback. Riley Leonard had to leave the game in the last moments of the first half after being tackled hard by Penn State defenders Dvon J-Thomas and Zane Durant. However, he was able to return at the start of the second half after being checked and found to show no symptoms.
Leonard went into the medical tent after walking off the field and tried to return to play. Ultimately, he needed to be escorted to the injury tent for further evaluation.
Before his exit, Leonard had completed 6 of 11 passes for 63 yards, with one interception, and added 7 rushing yards over five carries. Backup quarterback Steve Angeli took over, leading the team to a 41-yard field goal, narrowing the score to 10-3 as they headed into halftime.
Here’s the latest on Leonard’s condition:
Riley Leonard injury update
As reported by Pete Sampson from The Athletic, Leonard emerged from the locker room wearing his helmet and was seen warming up with Angeli on the sidelines at Hard Rock Stadium.
Shortly after this, Molly McGrath from ESPN noted that Notre Dame’s coach Marcus Freeman indicated that Leonard had been evaluated for a concussion during halftime and was asymptomatic, allowing him to play in the second half.
Sean McDonough from ESPN mentioned that Leonard was placed in the concussion protocol. Angeli took the field to finish the remainder of the game.
During a halftime interview, Freeman shared with McGrath that he hadn’t received any updates on Leonard’s condition yet.
“I haven’t received any information. They are currently examining him,” Freeman stated. “I was informed just before our field goal, but there was no answer on his status at that moment.”
Pete Thamel from ESPN tweeted that Leonard was seen jogging off the field with his helmet after leaving the medical tent.
This story will continue to be updated.
