Notre Dame Faces Key Injury Questions Ahead Of Stanford Rivalry

Irish Deal With Key Injuries

Third-ranked Notre Dame is preparing for its upcoming game against longtime rival Stanford, but the team might have to play without some key defenders. All-American cornerback Leonard Moore is in the concussion protocol and is officially listed as questionable.

Head coach Marcus Freeman explained the backup plan if Moore is ruled out. Freeman said that Jayden Sanders and DJ McKinney would start at cornerback. Mark Zackery IV would serve as the third cornerback, while Ayden Pouncey and Khary Adams will also be prepared to step on the field.

More Updates From The Roster

Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is also listed as questionable due to a thumb injury. On offense, lineman Matty Augustine is questionable as he recovers from a right foot injury. Augustine did some specific football work last week and will practice this week. Freeman wants to see how Augustine looks in practice before deciding if he can play on Saturday.

The Irish have plenty of momentum, having won 15 straight games over the past 12 and a half months. All five of their wins this season have come by double digits, including a 37-26 victory at North Carolina.

There are no doubts about offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp. He played through a bloody face last week. Freeman recalled the moment Knapp ran to the sideline with blood everywhere. Freeman told him to see the trainer, saying, "Keep that blood to yourself." Knapp returned to the game and is ready for Saturday.

What it means for the next game

Stanford Cardinal at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (College Football, Sat, 10 Oct): Notre Dame Fighting Irish win 96%, Stanford Cardinal win 4%; projected score Notre Dame Fighting Irish 45, Stanford Cardinal 9. Our safest pick: Stanford +47.5.