The injury report for Notre Dame football following their dominant win over Purdue was nearly as bad as it could get. Key starters—offensive linemen Billy Schrauth and Ashton Craig, along with defensive end Jordan Botelho—were all forced off the field due to injuries. Head coach Marcus Freeman confirmed that Craig and Botelho are out for the season, while Schrauth is expected to miss a few weeks.
While the severity of these injuries wasn’t shocking given how they looked during the game, the official news remains troubling for the Irish. Schrauth’s injury, which initially appeared the worst, comes with some relief as he is projected to return later in the season. In college football, where detailed injury reports aren’t required, “a few weeks” can mean a wide range of possibilities.
Notre Dame finds depth in replacements
Interestingly, Notre Dame had gained some experience from backup linemen when Rocco Spindler and Pat Coogan stepped in for Schrauth and Craig. Both Spindler and Coogan have starting experience, competing for the left guard position during fall camp. Spindler will now fill in at right guard for Schrauth, and Coogan will take over center duties for Craig—a role he was originally recruited to play.
Notre Dame began the season with just six combined starts on the offensive line and has now lost three key players since training camp, including left tackle Charles Jagusah in the summer. This string of injuries highlights the importance of depth, especially in the era of the transfer portal, where players who lost their starting spots in camp are now back in key roles by Week 3.
If there’s a silver lining, it’s that Notre Dame’s run blocking should remain strong, though Schrauth and Craig were better known for their pass-blocking abilities, solidifying their spots in the starting lineup. Both Schrauth and Craig still have two years of eligibility remaining.
Tough break for Botelho after recent progress
Jordan Botelho had finally found his stride after five years with the Irish and was arguably their top defender in the first two weeks. His season-ending injury is a major blow, especially after he’d shown significant growth both on and off the field in his role as Notre Dame’s starting VYPER.
With Botelho sidelined, Boubar Traore, who had a pick-6 against Purdue, will take over at VYPER, and true freshman Bryce Young is expected to see increased playing time. Junior Tuihalamaka should also get more snaps.
Botelho, having entered Notre Dame in 2020 when the NCAA granted players an extra year of eligibility, could be eligible for a sixth season if he chooses.
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