Duke QB Leonard (ankle) returns for L’ville clash

Pete Thamel, ESPNOct 28, 2023, 07:30 AM ET

Duke quarterback Riley Leonard got the start at No. 18 Louisville after aggravating a right ankle injury last week.

A source told ESPN that the reinjury was not considered a significant setback. Leonard asked to return to the game last week, but the coaching staff wouldn’t allow it.

Louisville also got a star offensive player back in tailback Jawhar Jordan, the ACC’s second-leading rusher (661 yards).

Jordan left last week’s game against Pitt game early with a hamstring injury. He’s averaging 7.4 yards per carry, which is the most among ACC tailbacks who have received significant carries this season.

Both players are among the most critical for each team, both of whom are stacked behind Florida State (8-0, 6-0 ACC) with one loss in the ACC. Duke, which is ranked 20th this week, is 5-2 overall and 2-1 in ACC play and Louisville is 6-1 and 3-1. The game Saturday will be pivotal in jockeying for position for a spot in the ACC title game.

Leonard limped off the field last week after taking an illegal hit from Florida State defensive lineman Braden Fiske, who was called for a facemask after ripping off Leonard’s helmet. On the way down, Leonard clearly aggravated his ankle, as he struggled to gather himself to walk off the field.

After the game, coach Mike Elko said that Leonard was “begging me” to come back in, but Elko didn’t feel comfortable. Leonard suffered a high ankle sprain just three weeks prior in Duke’s home loss to Notre Dame.