Duke QB Riley Leonard unlikely to play against N.C. State

Duke QB Riley Leonard is doubtful to play against N.C. State, with Henry Belin IV set to start if he can’t get on the field.

Duke Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard is doubtful to play on Saturday night against N.C. State, according to a morning report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

The junior quarterback is still recovering from a high ankle sprain he suffered during Duke’s heartbreaking loss to Notre Dame.

Leonard has been the engine of the Duke offense this season. He’s thrown for 912 yards and three touchdowns, and he’s also Duke’s leading rusher with 326 yards and four more touchdowns on the ground. The quarterback has accounted for 61.1% of the Blue Devils’ offensive output.

Thamel reported Leonard is not wearing a boot and no longer wearing crutches, and he should be available soon. Duke plays Florida State and Louisville in their next two games after the Wolfpack.

Henry Belin IV is set to start if Leonard doesn’t find a miracle before the 8:00 p.m. ET kickoff. The freshman has thrown just eight passes in relief this season, but he completed all eight of them for 118 yards and a touchdown.