Sources: Duke’s Leonard (toe) out extended time

By James On Nov 3, 2023

Duke quarterback Riley Leonard will miss an “extended period” with a left toe injury he suffered late in Saturday’s game against Louisville, sources told ESPN.

His absence against Wake Forest on Thursday night means true freshman Grayson Loftis will get his first career start. He has completed just five passes in his career.

According to sources, a definitive timetable has yet to be determined for Leonard’s potential return from this injury. There’s no guarantee he’ll be back this year, according to ESPN sources, although any possibility of a return would come much later in the year.

Leonard emerged as one of the sport’s breakout stars this year, leading Duke to its highest Associated Press poll ranking – No. 16 – since 1994. He threw for 1,102 yards and three touchdowns and is also Duke’s third-leading rusher with 352 yards and four touchdowns.

The toe injury is different from the high ankle sprain he suffered late in the game against Notre Dame on September 30, which caused him to miss a game earlier this season. He aggravated that ankle injury two weeks ago against Florida State before hurting the toe of the other foot last week against Louisville.

Duke went 9-4 last year in Leonard’s first season as a starter, which coincided with coach Mike Elko’s arrival in Durham. The Blue Devils are 5-3 this season and have one win from back-to-back bowls, a significant achievement in a program that has reached just 15 total bowls in program history.

Duke has lost two straight games after opening the season 5-1, including a 28-7 win over Clemson to open the season. Duke is 2-2 in ACC play after starting conference play 2-0 with wins over the Tigers and NC State.

Duke regular backup Henry Belin IV is still dealing with an upper-body injury and is expected to be limited against Wake Forest. The injury allowed Loftis to take first-team reps in training this week.

Leonard’s toe injury appeared to surface late in the game against Louisville. He visibly limped after a long fourth-quarter completion with nearly seven minutes remaining. Loftis replaced him on the next drive with about four minutes left.

Wake Forest (4-4) is expected to enter the game healthy at quarterback as starter Mitch Griffis returned last week after missing the game against Pittsburgh two weeks ago with an undisclosed injury.