Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard Injures Shoulder, Gameplan for Purdue Concerns

The injury occurred on the non-throwing shoulder of Notre Dame's starting quarterback

Nick Shepkowski | Sep 10, 2024

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard looks for an open receiver during a NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Northern Illinois at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in South Bend. / Michael Clubb / USA TODAY NETWORK

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If Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard didn't look healthy on Saturday against Northern Illinois it turns out that's because he wasn't.

According to a report from On3, injured his posterior labrum on his non-throwing shoulder. The injury was extensive enough that Leonard had an MRI over the weekend. The Duke transfer is still expected to play in Notre Dame's game at Purdue this Saturday.

Riley Leonard celebrates a touchdown run against Northern Illinoi

Sep 7, 2024; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Notre Dame Stadium. / Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

Benching Riley Leonard?

Leonard and Notre Dame's offense struggled mightily Saturday against Northern Illinois, scoring just 14 points. Despite that, head coach Marcus Freeman said Monday that he never thought of taking Leonard out of the game.

“No, there was no consideration of that,” Freeman said. “We have a lot of belief in Riley and him running our offense.”

Belief or not, Notre Dame needs a shot of life put into its offense and fast. The Notre Dame offensive team pass efficiency rating is the lowest of all Power Four teams, and the Irish are one of just five FBS teams that are yet to throw a touchdown pass this season.

Concerns for Purdue

This is probably one of those moments Marcus Freeman referenced with Riley Leonard today in terms of trusting the pocket. If he does, Beaux Collins is open early and Mitchell Evans is open late. Instead, he bails right and there's no play to be made. pic.twitter.com/3D190yjVdu
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) September 9, 2024

Even with being cleared for the Purdue the question is if Leonard will be able to run the ball Saturday.

His throwing ability has clearly been an issue but Notre Dame's offensive gameplan changed entirely as the game went on against Northern Illinois. Leonard carried the ball five times on Notre Dame's first possession Saturday, capping it with an 11-yard touchdown run.

By the end of the fourth Notre Dame possession, Leonard had carried the ball nine times.

But from the fifth possession on against Northern Illinois? Leonard didn't attempt to run the ball at all. Based off how important his running ability has been through two games, it would make sense that his rush attempts were stopped after the injury.

That raises the question - will Leonard be able to run the ball against Purdue this Saturday and if not, how does Notre Dame plan on moving the ball?