Jalon Daniels not practicing with back injury, Kansas not concerned about seriousness

One of the most exciting breakout talents of the 2022 college football season has been hampered in fall camp. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels has been held out of practice with some back issues, according to Matt Tait.

While it is concerning that Daniels is missing out on reps in fall camp, the concern around his injury is subdued so far. Asked about it, head coach Lance Leipold demurred about any concerns.

“Not at this time,” Leipold said, adding that he’s pleased with the way Daniels is progressing.

Kansas also has a fairly capable backup in Jason Bean, who saw significant time last season when Daniels injured his collarbone.

But Daniels makes the offense whir.

In nine games in 2022, Daniels completed 66.1% of his passes for 2014 yards, 18 touchdowns and four interceptions. He’s also a rushing threat, carrying 77 times for 425 yards (5.5 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns in 2022.

While a few days of camp missed with back tightness won’t undo what could be a promising season for Kansas, they’ll surely hope Daniels is back to full health soon.

Leipold had high praise for Daniels heading into fall camp

During Big 12 media days, Leipold explained that Kansas needs to keep Daniels healthy and that he’s a special person.

“Again, keeping Jalon where he’s in a position staying healthy,” Leipold said. “He’s making all the throws, everything that we need him to be. I’ve started to say this a little bit more today on the back half of the day. I think the one thing we sometimes forget about Jalon and everything he brings to our program, he’s an Academic All-American.”

Leipold added that he can handle whatever they want him to.

“What we put on his plate and what we ask him to do and whether it be just things in our offense, retaining the information, verbalizing it back to others, getting others lined up, I think he does an outstanding job,” Leipold said. As we know, everybody has had a chance to see when he’s healthy what he does as a dual-threat quarterback. I think the other thing is his leadership abilities, his charisma. He’s a guy that doesn’t get too high or too low.”

Leipold insisted that Daniels has an incredible skillset but he’s an even better leader and person. That’s why he’s so special to Kansas and in general.

“Again, I’ve said it from the start when he burned his redshirt our first year, he’s a special man and a special individual,” Leipold said.