Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, a recent transfer from Duke, is facing a setback in his winter workouts due to ankle surgery for an injury he sustained last fall. According to sources, Leonard’s surgery aimed to address an ankle issue that persisted from his time at Duke. While he’s currently in a four-to-six-week rehabilitation process, the expectation is that he will be fully cleared for spring practice in March.
Leonard, who has one year of eligibility left, sustained a significant ankle injury during Duke’s game against Notre Dame in September 2022. The injury forced him to miss subsequent games and hindered his performance when he returned to play. Despite the setback, Leonard had a remarkable season with Duke, contributing 33 touchdowns and leading the team to a 9-4 record, a substantial improvement from the previous year.
In addition to his impressive performance, Leonard played a crucial role in Duke’s victory over Clemson and its highest national ranking in nearly three decades. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a toe injury, limiting him to seven games and still showcasing his talent with over 1,100 passing yards, 352 rushing yards, and 7 total touchdowns.
While Leonard’s injury has temporarily affected his winter workouts, Notre Dame’s spring game is scheduled for April 20, providing him with the opportunity to demonstrate his skills and contribute to the Irish’s football program.