Report: Vital Notre Dame defender not expected to play vs. Wisconsin

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby:Jonathan Wagner•09/25/21•

Jonathan Wagner

Defensive tackle Kurt Hinish is expected to be sidelined for Notre Dame when it takes the field against Wisconsin on Saturday. Hinish was in the concussion protocol earlier in the week, per 247Sports’ Irish Illustrated.

“Sources have confirmed to Irish Illustrated that NT Kurt Hinish is not expected to play for Notre Dame in today’s Shamrock Series game against Wisconsin,” Irish Illustrated tweeted.

Hinish has played in 53 games during his Notre Dame career since 2017, starting 28 consecutive games. He has five tackles and one sack so far on the season. Hinish received the game ball last week in Notre Dame’s win over Purdue. Behind him, juniors Howard Cross III and Jacob Lacy are in line for a bigger role against Wisconsin.

Notre Dame just held Purdue to 57 rushing yards on 25 carries in Week 3, allowing just 2.3 yards per carry. Hinish had three tackles in the game, but wreaked havoc at the line of scrimmage for Notre Dame. The defensive line for Notre Dame will be put to a major test on Saturday against a strong Wisconsin rushing attack. Wisconsin ran all over Eastern Michigan in its second game, rushing for 352 yards and four touchdowns on 55 carries, averaging 6.4 yards per carry.

Other Notre Dame injury notes

Notre Dame’s starting left tackle Mike Carmody is questionable for the game with a sprained ankle. Irish head coach Brian Kelly said earlier in the week that a decision had not yet been made on Carmody, and that Tosh baker would start at left tackle if Carmody is unable to go.

Defensive end Jordan Botelho returned last week for Notre Dame, but he only played on special teams. He is expected to see more of a role on Notre Dame’s defensive front against Wisconsin, especially with Hinish out.

“I think Jordan’s much further along than he was last week,” Kelly said earlier in the week. “Just getting back on the practice field, didn’t really have his legs underneath him last week. He should play a much more important role in what we do defensively. You’ll see him on the field.”

Running back C’Bo Flemister remains out for Notre Dame. True freshman linebacker and former five-star recruit Prince Kollie is back and is set to make his debut for the Irish, albeit in a limited capacity.

Notre Dame and Wisconsin are set to kick off at 12 noon ET on Saturday inside Soldier Field in Chicago. The Fighting Irish are 6.5 point underdogs. The ESPN College GameDay crew is on site in Chicago for the matchup.