Everything we learned about Notre Dame injuries after spring practice No. 1
Spring practice is underway in South Bend, but a few faces were missing from the Thursday morning calisthenics and position drills.
The following is a list of updates concerning injured Notre Dame players both from practice observations as well as confirmation or discussion by Irish head coach Marcus Freeman following the conclusion of the first spring practice.
Several notable players are all systems go this spring
Linebacker Marist Liufau missed last season with a lower leg fracture, but is 100 percent for the spring. Look for the versatile linebacker to have a big season this year.
Wide receiver Joe Wilkins Jr., who tore his MCL against Cincinnati on Oct. 2, was practicing at full strength on Thursday. The rising fifth-year senior is back for a victory lap.
“Hardships often prepare people for an extraordinary destiny,” Wilkins wrote in an Instagram post in January. “I’m back for mine.”
Freeman didn’t hesitate when asked how the veteran receiver’s spring might play out.
“Joe’s good to go,” the head coach said confidently.
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Finally, Josh Lugg, who suffered a December knee injury during Fiesta Bowl practice which required surgery, is practicing at full strength. The offensive lineman’s rehab process was not supposed to be extensive, and it appears that held true.
Players you won’t see until this summer
Speaking of knee injuries, a few Irish players suffered through them in the last year and need additional time to recover. Tight end Cane Berrong will not participate in spring practice. Berrong tore his ACL during an October practice and missed the remainder of the 2021 season.
After the departure of George Takacs for Boston College, the No. 2 tight end spot is up for grabs. Obviously, star Michael Mayer is No. 1. Can Berrong step up? We will have to wait until fall camp to see.
Wide receiver and 2021 captain Avery Davis is also still recovering from an ACL tear. He is now in his sixth season with the Notre Dame football program.
A previously undisclosed situation was cleared up regarding offensive tackle Pat Coogan. According to Freeman, Coogan recently had his meniscus repaired. He will not be available this spring. The rising sophomore did not see the field in 2021.
On the defensive side of the ball, fifth-year senior Jayson Ademilola will sit the next six weeks out. He is recovering from shoulder surgery and was seen in a shoulder brace on the sidelines on Thursday. The New Jersey native had 46 tackles, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a pass break up in 2021.
Like Ademilola, cornerback Cam Hart is dealing with a shoulder injury and will miss the spring. He had surgery just after the conclusion of last year, but the specifics were unclear until Freeman confirmed the situation on Thursday. Hart is the favorite to start at boundary corner this year, although watch out for freshman Jaden Mickey. Freeman has been impressed with the early enrollee thus far.
