Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard checked for concussion vs. Penn State, returns in second half
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Notre Dame starting quarterback Riley Leonard left the second quarter of Thursday’s Orange Bowl game against Penn State due to an apparent injury. He did not return to the game before the first half concluded.
Update: Leonard returned to the game and started the second half.
“Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman confirmed that quarterback Riley Leonard was evaluated for a concussion and was asymptomatic,” ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath said moments before the start of the second half. “So he will return in the second half.”
With 1:40 remaining in the second quarter, Leonard dropped back for a pass. Once he released the throw, Nittany Lions redshirt senior+ defensive tackle Dvon J-Thomas pumbled Leonard, slamming him to the ground. Leonard came off the field with the Notre Dame training staff and spent the remainder of the half in the injury tent.
Junior quarterback Steve Angeli replaced Leonard. Leonard, Notre Dame’s transfer quarterback, was 6-11 for 63 yards and threw an interception. He also had 5 carries for 7 yards.
Angeli closed the half, leading the Irish to a well-timed scoring drive. He connected on 6-7 passes for 44 yards, putting Notre Dame in field goal position. Graduate student kicker Mitch Jeter converted on a 41-yard attempt.
Notre Dame right guard Rocco Spindler leaves Penn State game due to apparent leg injury
On the same play Leonard was injured, Fighting Irish right guard Rocco Spindler came up gimpy and walked to the sideline with the training staff. Penn State junior defensive tackle Zane Durant tossed Spindler to the ground during his pass rush. Spindler immediately grabbed his lower right leg. He has been dealing with a right ankle injury for the postseason.
Sophomore Charles Jagusah came in for Spindler for the remainder of the first half. Spindler did not start the second half.
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The Irish are also battling injuries elsewhere on the offensive line. Notre Dame left tackle Anthonie Knapp suffered an ankle injury earlier in the second quarter.
“Their left tackle Anthonie Knapp is out with an ankle sprain,” McGrath said. “Right guard Rocco Spindler will return. They emphasized being aggressive in the run game. Freeman told his team, ‘Do not panic. This is only a seven-point game. They’re up 1-0 in the turnover margin, and you’re only down seven. You’re lucky. You can come back in this thing.”
Contrary to McGrath’s report, Jagusah remained in the game to start the second half.
In addition to Leonard, Knapp and Spindler, graduate student wide receiver Beaux Collins did not play in the first half beyond the opening series. He also missed the first two series of the second half.
Following Notre Dame’s opening offensive drive, Collins spent about five minutes in the sideline injury tent. He had a wrap around one of his lower legs when he emerged from the tent.
Notre Dame football’s pregame injury report can be found here.
