Marcus Freeman provides injury update on Blake Fisher ahead of Fiesta Bowl

Notre Dame’s new head coach Marcus Freeman was happy to see former starting left tackle Blake Fisher back on the field this weekend for the team’s first bowl practice.

Fisher has been on the sideline since suffering a meniscus injury in the first game of the season. After surgery and a full season of rehab, the freshman is nearing a return, potentially for the Fiesta Bowl.

“He was out there getting some team reps,” Freeman said after practice. “I don’t know if he’ll be full go, released for the game yet, but to see him out there during team reps is extremely encouraging. It’s good to have him out there.”

Since Fisher’s injury, another freshman has stepped up to fill his role. Left tackle Joe Alt did a good job all season, earning an All-True Freshman team honor from Pro Football Focus. Given Alt’s success, it’s unclear what Fisher’s role will be moving forward.

Blake Fisher was a four-star prospect coming out of high school in Avon, Indiana. He was No. 55 overall in the nation, according to the On3 rankings, and the No. 7 offensive tackle prospect.

Freeman prepping for short-staffed bowl game

With a barebones staff, Marcus Freeman has to figure out how operations will run for Notre Dame’s bowl game. The Fighting Irish are set to face a stiff Oklahoma State team in the Fiesta Bowl.

“All the coaches, we all plan to go as we’ve gotten here,” Freeman said. “We’ll go to work. We’re not making changes. We’re going to coach.”

So, in other words, Freeman will not name Notre Dame’s next defensive coordinator until after the Fiesta Bowl. The entire coaching staff, presumably, will contribute as they have this season, but the rest will be decided in the postseason.

“No, I have not,” Freeman said when asked if he’s considered his next defensive coordinator. “My focus right now is just for this upcoming bowl game. We will not name a defensive coordinator for next year until after the bowl game.”

Notre Dame, which finished the regular season with a No. 5 ranking, has allowed 338 yards of total offense per game under Freeman, while forcing nearly two turnovers a game. Notre Dame’s overall defense ranks 30th in the country.

On3’s Simon Gibbs contributed to this report.