2 min read • August 18, 2022
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are ranked fifth in the AP preseason poll. These are lofty expectations for their first-year head coach Marcus Freeman.
He’s looking to instill a physical mindset in his team as he was the team’s defensive coordinator the year prior.
The team has had an optimistic outlook on their quarterback, Tyler Buchner, being able to play in week one. But, many skill position injuries have hurt their chances to upset the #2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes on opening day.
On Saturday, Notre Dame lost one of their starting wide receivers, Avery Davis, to an ACL tear. This is the second time Davis has torn the ligament, with his first being last season against Navy.
Before going down the previous season, Davis caught 27 passes for 386 yards and four touchdowns. He worked hard this off-season to be ready to play in the opener against Ohio State.
Davis is a sixth-year receiver who used his extra year of eligibility from 2020 to come back this season before declaring for the draft. So, this injury effectively ends his Notre Dame career.
The news of Davis’ second ACL tear leaves the Fighting Irish with only five fully healthy, scholarship-wide receivers. Deion Colzie suffered a PCL sprain in practice and was in a walking boot.
Head coach Marcus Freeman told reporters, “We expect him back soon.” Senior wide receiver Joe Wilkins Jr career has been filled with injuries, and he recently had foot surgery to repair a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot that he suffered in practice.
Wilkins tore his MCL last October against Cincinnati as well. But, even after a couple of lower leg injuries, he’s expected back for the season.
Since Notre Dame has a light receiver room, they might look to use a ton of 21 personnel to help with running the ball more. It might not be the most exciting offense, but it can provide a physical mentality.
The Fighting Irish also have a star-tight end, Michael Mayer, prime for a breakout season.
Notre Dame has already suffered a season-ending Achilles tear to running back Jabari Price. So, it’s even more critical to the team that running back Logan Diggs fully recovers after suffering a torn labrum in the team’s Blue and Gold game.
Since the surgery, Diggs has been a limited participant in practice wearing a red jersey. Marcus Freeman included him in a group of players looking to ramp up their workload heading into week one.
The original diagnosis by the team was that he would miss a couple of games, but Freeman has not ruled him out for opening day yet.
Notre Dame faces Ohio State in week one, a team whose defense ranked 28th against the run last year. They will need a stout run game to exploit the weak Buckeyes defense.
Ohio State has also faced injuries in the running back room with third-string running back Evan Pryor, who tore his Achilles on Monday. He reportedly was looking better in practice this off-season and was ready for a heavier workload in his second season.
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@NDFootball It’s time. 🔥🔥🔥🔥😳 RB @logandiggs3
