Kyle Hamilton status for Notre Dame vs Navy revealed

Brian Kelly was originally hopeful that star safety Kyle Hamilton wouldn’t miss any time with his knee injury. Unfortunately, Hamilton had to miss last Saturday’s game against North Carolina.

On Monday, Kelly revealed Hamilton’s status for this weekend’s game against Navy. Much to the dismay of Notre Dame fans everywhere, The Athletic’s Pete Sampson detailed Kelly’s comments.

“Brian Kelly says Kyle Hamilton is OUT this week,” tweeted Sampson. “The All-American safety suffered a knee injury against USC, will receive a second treatment on the knee today. Kelly says a return for Virginia is possible.”

After getting by Sam Howell and the Tar Heels unscathed, Kelly’s squad may be able to handle Navy without Hamilton. However, it’s imperative the Fighting Irish get their star defender back for their final three games.

At the least, Kelly ended his statement on Hamilton with a glimmer of hope — saying a return is possible for Notre Dame’s game against Virginia on Nov. 13th. Afterwards, the Fighting Irish finish their season against Georgia Tech and Stanford.

More on Kyle Hamilton

The junior is the presumed favorite for the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the top defensive back in college football. Moreover, Hamilton is projected to be one of the premier picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Hamilton’s been a star in his three seasons with the Fighting Irish — accumulating 138 tackles, 16 passes defended and 8 interceptions. Additionally, the Fighting Irish safety was an All-America pick after his breakout sophomore campaign. 

Notre Dame is attempting to climb back into the College Football Playoff conversation. To do so, Kelly needs Hamilton to be on the field. Luckily, their schedule isn’t full of world-beaters the rest of the way.

If the Fighting Irish can win out and get some help, perhaps a miraculous run could be in order. Still, Brian Kelly and Kyle Hamilton will focus on controlling what Notre Dame can control.