Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham announced that quarterback Sam Leavitt has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against Iowa State.
Leavitt left last week’s loss to Houston after taking a hard hit in the first quarter. He was seen wearing a walking boot during Tuesday’s practice, ESPN reported.
Jeff Sims will start in Leavitt’s place against the Cyclones.
The Nebraska transfer completed 6-of-11 passes for 58 yards after taking over for most of last week’s game.
“It’s definitely something that’s been lingering all year. It’s definitely something that could definitely turn into that (long-term) for sure, just because it hasn’t progressed like we hoped. He’s been dealing with this for pretty much the whole year.”
Dillingham’s comments point to an injury that dates back to Arizona State’s Sept. 20 game against Baylor. Leavitt hurt his foot in that contest and missed the loss to Utah two weeks later.
He returned to lead the Sun Devils’ comeback win over then-No. 13 Texas Tech on Oct. 18.
But the injury clearly hasn’t healed properly.
Leavitt has thrown for 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns with three interceptions this season. He hasn’t thrown an interception in his past five games.
The junior quarterback was instrumental in Arizona State’s run to their first Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff berth. His absence creates uncertainty for a Sun Devils offense that’s relied heavily on his playmaking ability.
Sims brings experience as a former Georgia Tech starter who transferred to Nebraska before landing at Arizona State. He’ll need to step up quickly as the Sun Devils try to build on last year’s breakthrough season.
Arizona State travels to face Iowa State on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on TNT.
