LSU QB Jayden Daniels 'probable' to play against Florida

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is “probable” to play against rival Florida, one week after suffering a concussion against Alabama, according to Brian Kelly on Thursday.

Kelly confirmed that Daniels practiced on Thursday and is almost through concussion protocol.

Daniels suffered a hard hit late in the contest against the Crimson Tide and was placed into the team’s concussion protocol following the game. He did what he could get get into shape to play on Saturday against the Gators, with coach Brian Kelly outlining the process.

“He worked out (Wednesday) morning and it appears as though that workout went well, which is the last stage before he’s cleared for non-contact practice,” Kelly said Wednesday on an SEC teleconference call. “So we’re expecting him to practice (Wednesday). If all things go well through practice (Wednesday) then he’ll be cleared for contact on Thursday.”

The talented LSU gunslinger is one of the nation’s best, in definite contention for the Heisman Trophy with only three weeks remaining in the regular season.

Of course, whether he could play against Florida would have a significant impact on his Heisman chances. Even Kelly acknowledged the impact an absence could have.

LSU was monitoring Daniels closely throughout the week, according to Kelly.

“I believe that our medical people put him in what is called our concussion protocol,” Kelly explained. “I don’t know what the specifics are, but it certainly triggered our protocol for concussions. I don’t know what the medical bar is for that, but I can tell you this, that he has moved through these stages to the point where as I mentioned where he worked out (Wednesday) morning, ran 20 miles an hour and (Wednesday) will be able to practice in a non-contact fashion. So if he goes through (Wednesday)’s practice then we’ll decide what’s his preparation level compared to (Garrett) Nussmeier‘s preparation level and make a decision on who would start on Saturday.”

While both quarterbacks would give LSU a chance to beat Florida — which it opened as a 13-point favorite over — Jayden Daniels is by far the more dynamic option.

The LSU quarterback has thrown for 2,792 yards and 27 touchdowns against just four interceptions. Meanwhile, he’s run for 684 yards and six scores.

Nussmeier has much lighter production this season, playing mostly in relief and mop-up duty. He has gone 17-of-33 passing for 196 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.

Florida and LSU are slated for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday with a broadcast on the SEC Network.