Duke HC Mike Elko Says There's a 'Chance' Riley Leonard Plays Against FSU

The Blue Devils are hoping their starting quarterback will be able to suit up against the Seminoles.

The Florida State Seminoles are up for another big test this week. They've beaten teams like LSU and Clemson this season, both of which posed solid tests. Now, they take on a No. 16 ranked Duke team. 

Duke is 5-1 on the season with its lone loss coming against Notre Dame, while also having a marquee win over Clemson. 

There is one potential issue for Duke, though, as starting quarterback, Riley Leonard, was out of the most recent contest against NC State with an ankle injury. During Duke head coach Mike Elko's weekly press conference, he labeled Leonard as "day-to-day" with his injury.

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In a more recent update on his radio show, Elko gave a much more optimistic answer as to whether Leonard would play against Florida State.

"Riley's doing good, he really is," Elko said. "He was out there practicing today and throwing the ball around. He's still day-to-day."

It makes sense for Elko to want to take the side of caution and preserve Leonard's long-term health rather than force him into a game where he's not 100 percent healthy. 

"I've said this to everybody, we will not put him in position to put that ankle at risk. But, I do think there is a chance that we're able to get him back by Saturday healthy and capable of playing at the level he's capable of playing at. Whether it ultimately gets there or not, we'll see, that's where the day-to-day thing comes in but we will be smart with him."

With the update, the Seminoles are still two-score favorites over Duke, but the spread got a little bit closer. It's no secret Leonard makes his team better despite the Blue Devils taking care of business this past weekend without him. 

Still, one of the biggest keys in this game will be how Florida State's offense matches up against Duke's defense, and how much they're able to take care of business. Defensively, the Seminoles will face more of a challenge with Leonard if he is able to suit up on Saturday night.

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