Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/208902
Under the Dome year senior Tyler Stockton, senior Justin Utupo, junior Anthony Rabasa, sophomore Jarron Jones and freshman Isaac Rochell in "all hands on deck" form. "Everybody at this time of the year isn't at 100 percent, but I think we're getting close where we may get all three of them [starters] on the field at one time," Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly said prior to the game at Pitt. Nix had plasma injections to help with tendinitis in the joints in October and cleared an MRI scan Nov. 3, the day after the Navy game. He will need surgery at some point to fully fix the meniscus problem, but Kelly said Nix has been going above and beyond the call of his duty in his rehab. While not jeopardizing Nix's future financial windfall in the NFL has a role in decisions on whether or not to play him, if there is medical clearance, then the first priority is Notre Dame. "We're going to look at and get medical information for him that talks to first his ability to play for Notre Dame and to be medically safe to do so," Kelly said. "You sign up to play for Notre Dame. If you're medically cleared and there is no harm in playing, no further harm can come to you because of a particular injury, then that's the first piece. "If it could impact in some fashion, or surgery needs to be part of that process because of how it may impact the next level, then that has to be part of the thought process as well. … We've got to consider all of those factors. The most important thing is transparency. Getting all the information, laying it out there, and having a conversation about it so a good decision can be made." Hounshell has begun practicing in pads, but because he and freshman Jacob Matuska, who is redshirting this season, will not play for Notre Dame in 2013, reserve senior offensive lineman Bruce Heggie worked with the defensive line the week of the Pitt game in case of an emergency. The 2013 line has had its share. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SPORTS STORIES IN DECADES… "Jerry Barca captures all the hard work and excitement of that thrilling championship season in Unbeatable." —LOU HOLTZ Be Inspired by the Legendary 1988 Fighting Irish and Cheer for Notre Dame "Jerry Barca does a terrific job recreating the excitement and emotions." —TONY RICE "An enduring team deserves a timeless story, and that's what's delivered in Unbeatable. Jerry Barca takes you inside the locker room, the dorm room, and the mind of Lou Holtz for a rich portrayal of one of college football's most memorable champions." —PETER THAMEL, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Go IRISH! Available Where Books Are Sold JERRYBARCA.COM