Jayden Daniels ruled out with concussion following potential missed targeting call

The LSU offense was firing on all cylinders Saturday night against Alabama, scoring 28 points through two-plus quarters. Early in the fourth quarter, though, Jayden Daniels took a huge hit from Dallas Turner and headed to the sideline for further evaluation.

Daniels ended up returning to the game, but was later ruled out as he entered concussion protocol. The CBS broadcast team of Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson also speculated about a possible targeting call on Turner. They brought in rules analyst Gene Steratore to discuss that idea, and he thought the officials would at least go to the monitor to look even though Turner didn’t lower the crown of the helmet.

Per NCAA rules, lowering the helmet isn’t the only indicator of targeting. Turner hit Daniels high, which Steratore said could spark a review.

Jayden Daniels was shaken up after taking this hit that was ruled roughing the passer. pic.twitter.com/4JKCTNnaPr

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 5, 2023

“I think you’re talking about what Gary alluded to,” Steratore said. “Look, the quarterback in that position is defenseless by definition, so forcible contact initiated to the head and neck area could potentially lead to targeting. It’s the indicator.

“Now, he doesn’t lower the head, but the initiated contact, to me, is right to that head and neck area. That’s what I think they would be looking at, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they review this, fellas, for sure.”

Daniels briefly returned to the game, but wound up going back to the injury tent as the Alabama offense came back out. CBS’ Jenny Dell reported he was going into concussion protocol and, as a result, will have to sit out the rest of the game.

“Daniels has been inside the tent for over six minutes now, guys,” Dell said. “I’m told it is concussion protocol. He’s going to be out for the game, and his mom just joined him inside the tent.”

Jayden Daniels had another huge game against Alabama before his injury

Saturday’s game was a full offensive display as Daniels and Jalen Milroe put on a quarterback clinic at Bryant Denny Stadium. Before his injury, Milroe completed 15 of 25 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns in the air while also adding a game-high 163 yards on the ground with a rushing touchdown.

Daniels has been building his Heisman Trophy case for some time, steadily rising up the odds board as the season goes along. He was looking to once again add to his candidacy in prime time on Saturday night as he looked to defeat Alabama for the second straight year.

Alabama held a 42-28 lead at the time of Daniels’ injury. Garrett Nussmeier will now lead the LSU offense for the rest of the game.