Marcus Freeman shares multiple injury updates before trip to Dublin

It’s officially game week for Notre Dame football as the Fighting Irish will kick off the 2023 college football season against Navy on Saturday in Dublin, Ireland. On Monday, Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman provided an update a few injuries heading into that game.

Freeman began with updates on tight end Kevin Bauman and defensive end Aiden Gobaira, who both suffered ACL tears in fall camp. He revealed that both players had successful surgeries, though previously stated earlier this month that they are out for the season.

Offensive lineman Michael Carmody also had surgery this week to repair a broken hand. Freeman said he will make the trip with the team to Dublin but did not reveal a timetable for his return.

“Kevin Bauman and Aidan Gobaira both had successful ACL surgeries,” Freeman said. “Both recovering well. They’re starting their rehab towards getting back. Michael Carmody had hand surgery. He fell in practice last week and ended up breaking a bone in his hand. He’ll make the trip over to Ireland with us.”

Moving on, Freeman provided an update on Zeke Correll, who is listed as the starting center on the team’s depth chart. Correll missed practice last Tuesday and was seen with a brace on his ankle. He returned the following day but did not participate in individual or full-team activities.

Thankfully, Freeman said the plan was for Correll to practice Monday and the team to evaluate where he’s at. He also added that he expects him to be able to play against Navy.

“He’s been progressing really well,” Freeman said. “He practiced today and we expect him to be able to go. We want to see him go out there and practice today. We kind of held him out last week but today we’re gonna push him to go and he’s been doing a great job in rehab and recovery so I think today will tell us a lot.”

Sophomore Ashton Craig, listed as the backup center, would likely get the start if Correll is unable to go.

That was all Freeman had on injuries as Notre Dame prepares to start its season. The Fighting Irish will hope that Correll can be ready to go as expected and that Carmody can make a speedy return from his hand injury and be available within the coming weeks.

Kickoff between Notre Dame and Navy is set for 2:30 p.m. ET Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.