The Notre Dame football team suffered a surprising 16-14 defeat to Northern Illinois in the second week of the season, a tough setback for a squad expected to contend for the College Football Playoff. Starting quarterback Riley Leonard had a difficult game and sustained an injury that leaves his status for next week uncertain.
Leonard injured the posterior labrum in his non-throwing shoulder during the loss, according to Irish Illustrated. Following an MRI over the weekend, it remains unclear if he will be available for the upcoming game against Purdue.
Leonard had a strong performance in the season opener against Texas A&M, throwing for 158 yards on 18-of-30 passes in a 23-13 win. However, he struggled against Northern Illinois, including throwing a crucial interception late in the game that contributed to the 16-14 loss. Leonard took full responsibility for the mistake, saying:
“It was a completely bad read… Bad eyes, bad feet, bad ball. That resulted in a pick. Can’t happen. Completely my fault.”
As Leonard recovers, Notre Dame will be hoping for his quick return to help them bounce back from this early-season setback. Despite high expectations following their 10-3 record last season, the Fighting Irish will need resilience to recover and keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.
