Report: Kansas QB Jalon Daniels doubtful against UCF, considered week-to-week

Bad news appears to be turning into worse news for the Kansas faithful, as quarterback Jalon Daniels is reportedly doubtful for the UCF game this weekend.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Thursday afternoon that Daniels is doubtful and is considered “week-to-week” with back tightness, according to a source. If Daniels can’t play, backup Jason Bean would likely start in his place.

Daniels began tweaked his back injury in pregame warmups against No. 3 Texas last week and did not play as a result. He had started the first four games of the season.

Bean finished the game 9-of-21 passing for 136 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, while he also added 42 yards rushing on seven carries.

But Bean has considerable experience after stepping in to fill in for Daniels a year ago, when injuries similarly derailed the middle part of his campaign. He started five contests in 2022.

In his career in college Bean has thrown for 4,251 yards, with 40 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. He’s also run for 1,145 yards and 11 touchdowns.

And he has plenty of experience, dating back to 2018. Bean spent his first three seasons in college at North Texas before transferring to Kansas. He’s been in the 1,200-yard range in both of his previous seasons at Kansas.

Daniels, though, has been coach Lance Leipold‘s weapon of choice when available.

The veteran quarterback has amassed 4,297 yards passing, with 31 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while also rushing for 600 yards and 13 scores.

Daniels was at his best last season, despite missing the five games. He finished his 2022 campaign 152-of-230 passing for 2,014 yards, with 18 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also ran for 419 yards and seven touchdowns.

Kansas and UCF are set to meet at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday with a broadcast on FOX.