Here’s the latest injury update on Kansas Jayhawks QB Jalon Daniels and KU teammates
Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels, who missed KU’s season opener against Missouri State due to back tightness, continues to be day-to-day with the injury.
“I thought he had a really good day today,” coach Lance Leipold said Monday. “It’s how you feel the next day (and) things like that. …By far the most team reps he’s had since first week.”
KU also released its depth chart on Monday, with the quarterback position listed as Jalon Daniels or Jason Bean — which signifies either could start against Illinois on Friday.
Leipold called Daniels’ injury a “day-to-day thing” after KU’s 48-17 victory over Missouri State.
“Jalon is feeling better but didn’t have enough practice reps to feel comfortable as the season (approached),” Leipold said. “... When you watch Jalon warm up, he’s been good. It’s kind of a day-to-day thing, making sure he feels right.”
Bean started in Daniels’ place against Missouri State. He was 22-of-28 for 276 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
“I thought Jason played really well,” Leipold said. “He really did. ... He had six incompletions, some 50/50 balls. ... He played really well out there.”
Bean’s start in place of Daniels was a bit of a surprise. Asked if Daniels would start last week, Leipold had pointed to the week one depth chart. It listed Daniels as the starting QB.
Daniels’ back injury was first announced on Aug. 7, but it has lingered. In turn, it’s also created a balancing act for KU’s coaches.
“We are giving him as much work as we can in many different ways,” Leipold said last week. “He’s been getting work and he’s been doing things. It’s not like he’s never practiced in the last two weeks — (to say that) is not accurate, either.
“We’re confident. Unfortunately for him, it is something that he’s gone through a little bit before, getting mental reps and doing things (with) where he’s at. But I think we are in a really good spot.”
Bean filled in nicely when Daniels missed four games due to a shoulder injury last season. Back this year as a super-senior, Bean threw 10 touchdown passes and three interceptions in 2022. He passed for 970 yards and rushed for 169, scoring three touchdowns on the ground.
Bean threw for 276 yards and two touchdowns on Friday vs. Missouri State.
Other Injury news
A pair of KU wide receivers are also working through injuries this week.
Leipold had the following updates on Monday.
“Tanaka Scott has been battling a hamstring (injury) — he’s been back out there,” Leipold said. “It’s kind of been off and on, unfortunately.
“Luke Grimm was out there doing some things, but again, it’s kind of wait and see on him. It’s early.
