Brian Kelly provides Armoni Goodwin, Jayden Daniels injury update ahead of Auburn game

LSU fans can breathe a sigh of relief after witnessing a Jayden Daniels injury on Saturday in a 38-0 win over New Mexico. The team’s starting quarterback will be just fine, coach Brian Kelly revealed on Monday.

Daniels, who Kelly said was actually cleared to re-enter the game against the Lobos on Saturday if need be, got through the weekend OK and will be available this week against Auburn.

“Jayden, no residual effect from Saturday,” Kelly said. “He’ll be able to practice.”

Two other key players for LSU are also on the mend. Safety Jay Ward missed the team’s contest against New Mexico with an undisclosed injury, while running back Armoni Goodwin left the game with a hamstring injury.

Goodwin was injured on the series just before Daniels was shaken up and left the game with a lower back issue, with the running back suffering an apparent leg injury. Goodwin was initially carried off the field but was later able to walk to the locker room despite the leg problem.

Kelly described Goodwin as day-to-day with a hamstring injury Monday. Both he and Ward could return this week.

“Jay Ward feeling really good, I think he’s a go for Tuesday,” Kelly said. “We’ll probably limit his workload on Tuesday, but he should be able to go. Armoni, it’ll be a day-to-day situation with him.”

A Jayden Daniels injury could have required a hard pivot

The Tigers have gotten two quarterbacks some playing time this year, but there’s little doubt Daniels is the guy Kelly would prefer to have running the offense.

He’s gone 81-of-111 passing for 835 yards and six touchdowns this year, all without throwing an interception. He’s also the team’s leading rusher, having carried it 44 times for 262 yards and two scores.

Behind an offensive line that has been porous — Daniels has taken 12 sacks in four games — the Tigers really need Daniels’ mobility.

Luckily Daniels’ injury appears minor.

Should it cause him issues going forward, though, LSU would turn to backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. Nussmeier played in relief of Daniels against the Lobos and has gotten a decent amount of playing time already this year.

The freshman quarterback is 22-of-33 for 318 yards passing with one touchdown so far, though he has thrown two interceptions.