Report: Jayden Daniels to start vs. Florida following head injury

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels will start against Florida Saturday, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, following a head injury.

Daniels had to exit last week’s loss to Alabama due to said injury and it was uncertain if he’d play in the game against the Gators. But now, LSU gets its Heisman Trophy contender back.

If LSU is to make any noise the rest of the way, the Tigers will need its quarterback.

Daniels ended up being listed as probable Thursday, which was a very positive sign for the Tigers.

Head coach Brian Kelly confirmed that Daniels practiced on Thursday and was almost through concussion protocol.

Daniels suffered a hard hit late in the contest against the Crimson Tide and was placed into the team’s concussion protocol following the game. He did what he could get get into shape to play on Saturday against the Gators, with Kelly outlining the process.

“He worked out (Wednesday) morning and it appears as though that workout went well, which is the last stage before he’s cleared for non-contact practice,” Kelly said Wednesday on an SEC teleconference call. “So we’re expecting him to practice (Wednesday). If all things go well through practice (Wednesday) then he’ll be cleared for contact on Thursday.”

The talented LSU gunslinger is one of the nation’s best, in definite contention for the Heisman Trophy with only three weeks remaining in the regular season.

In nine games this season, Daniels has 2,792 yards, 27 touchdowns, four interceptions and a 72.1% completion percentage. He also has 684 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.

As a member of the Class of 2019, Daniels was a four-star recruit out of San Bernardino (Calif.) Cajon, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 7 overall prospect in the state, the No. 3 quarterback in the class and the No. 50 overall prospect in the class when he committed to Arizona State.

“He worked out (Wednesday) morning and it appears as though that workout went well, which is the last stage before he’s cleared for non-contact practice,” Kelly said Wednesday on an SEC teleconference call. “So we’re expecting him to practice (Wednesday). If all things go well through practice (Wednesday) then he’ll be cleared for contact on Thursday.”