Duke’s Leonard (ankle) status uncertain vs

David Hale, ESPN

• Staff WriterOct 9, 2023, 03:20 PM ET Close ACC reporter.Joined ESPN in 2012.
• Graduate of the University of Delaware.Duke quarterback Riley Leonard is making development from a high ankle sprain suffered late in the Blue Devils ‘Sept. 30 loss to Notre Dame, however head coach Mike Elko isn’t sure if Leonard will be prepared for Saturday’s game against NC State.Elko said Leonard was” everyday”however added that Leonard was”making truly strong progress. “” I do think the outlook for him the rest of the season is really positive

  ,” Elko said Monday.Leonard had led 2 second-half scoring drives for Duke to take a 14-13 lead on the Irish

  , however Sam Hartman’s scramble on fourth down and a 30-yard touchdown run by Audric Estime with 31 seconds remaining put Notre Dame back on top. On Duke’s subsequent drive, Leonard’s second-down dropback was right away forced, and a Notre Dame protector rolled into his leg as he fumbled away the football.Editor’s Picks

1 Related Leonard was on crutches after the game and required assistance going back to Duke’s locker space. Additional tests showed only a sprain and Duke, which was off in Week 6, was confident Leonard could recover quickly.Elko said his quarterback is rehabbing the injury six to eight hours per day.If Leonard can’t go Saturday vs. NC State, Duke will turn to Henry Belin IV, a redshirt freshman who has attempted just 13 career passes (completing 12).

After Saturday’s game versus the Wolfpack, Duke will take a trip to unbeaten Florida State in Week 8.