Injury Troubles: How the Irish Must Display Their Depth
In Notre Dame's run to the national championship game in 2024, the Irish had to overcome a heap of injuries. This season, the injury bug has already bit the Fighting Irish.
Photo via USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
As Notre Dame sets to square off against the No. 1 team in the country on Saturday, the health status of Malachi Toney has been at the forefront of most news on this game.
However, many national media outlets have neglected the injuries that could sideline five defensive starters for the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame has already confirmed it will be without two-time captain LB Drayk Bowen (ankle), CB DJ McKinney (ankle), and S Brauntae Johnson (left foot), while impact DT Francis Brewu (knee) and DT Jason Onye (knee) are still questionable.
While none of these players match the individual skillset of Toney, they are still influential members of this Notre Dame defense. Bowen has been the "green dot" communicator for Chris Ash's defense the past two seasons. Johnson, who has been out since the season opener, was a projected first-round pick entering this season. Brewu has been one of the most efficient defensive tackles in the country when defending both the run and pass.
As in 2024, the Irish need their depth pieces to rise to the occasion. The maturation of true freshman that season, from Leonard Moore to Bryce Young, were essential for Notre Dame's run through the playoffs in replacing the likes of Benjamin Morrison, Jordan Botelho, and Boubacar Traore.
This season, the Irish have relied on the likes of Michigan transfer Jayden Sanders and former walk-on Luke Talich to weather the storm, but it appears Notre Dame will have to dig deeper in the vault.
LB Madden Faraimo will receive plenty more playing time after Bowen's injury as the Irish will already rely on the rotation of Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Jaiden Ausberry, and Jaylen Sneed.
DE Rodney Dunham must continue to provide a spark along the defensive line, along with reserve DTs Elijah Hughes and Sean Sevillano Jr.
Ultimately, the Irish's season, for right now, comes down to this game on Saturday night. While neither Miami nor Notre Dame will be at full strength, the Irish must capitalize on one of their biggest advantages: depth in the NIL age.
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