Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels pushes back over false injury report

Lawrence, Kansas - Kansas Jayhawks starter Jalon Daniels took to Twitter on Tuesday to clear up rumors about his injury status that had fans worried for the remaining weeks of the 2022 college football season.

Quarterback Jalon Daniels of the Kansas Jayhawks walks the sideline in the second half during a game against the TCU Horned Frogs at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels of the Kansas Jayhawks walks the sideline in the second half during a game against the TCU Horned Frogs at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.  © ED ZURGA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

After suffering an injury during Kansas' 38-31 loss to TCU last weekend, Daniels became a hot topic when Zac Boyer of the Lawrence Journal-World reported that the Jayhawks quarterback would miss the rest of the 2022 season with a Grade 3 right shoulder separation.

Confused to say the least, Daniels quickly shut down the alarming news that sent Jayhawks fans into a worried frenzy.

The 20-year-old quote-tweeted Boyer's tweet and quipped, "Sheeesh…That’s News to Me."

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Fans also came swarming, 3,000 retweets and 36,000 likes later, we had a viral hit on our hands.

Since the star athlete left last weekend's game early after a rough sack by TCU's' Jamoi Hodge, Kansas head coach Lance Leipold has only confirmed that Daniels is doubtful for Saturday's matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners.

"Jalon did not practice today and would probably be put in the doubtful area," he told reporters on Tuesday. "Again, looking at it day to day, but hasn't done anything yet and that's probably the extent I will comment at this time."

How will Jalon Daniels' absence affect the Jayhawks?

Jalon Daniels of the Kansas Jayhawks scrambles from DeWayne Carter of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Jalon Daniels of the Kansas Jayhawks scrambles from DeWayne Carter of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.  © JAY BIGGERSTAFF / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

In his best career start yet, Daniels has thrown for 1,072 yards and 11 touchdowns – completing 66.7% of his passes this season.

The junior has also rushed for 335 yards, scoring five touchdowns of his own.

Without their starter heading into Oklahoma this weekend, the Jayhawks will be facing their biggest test yet.

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Kansas has had one of the best early seasons in program history (5-1) and currently ranks in the top 20 by the AP polls, largely due to the strong play of Daniels.

Backup quarterback Jason Bean will now step in as the starter, who has a decent amount of experience to lead the Jayhawks against the 3-3 Sooners.

Last weekend, Bean finished the game as Daniels' replacement, completing 16 of 24 throws for 262 yards and four touchdowns.

While Kansas are the favorites to win against Oklahoma – a rarity in their matchups with the Sooners – Bean will still need to put his best foot forward against the former conference powerhouse.

Bean will suit up against the struggling Sooners, who just lost 49-0 to heated rivals Texas in their Week 6 matchup, on Saturday at 12 PM EDT.

Cover photo: JAY BIGGERSTAFF / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

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