Marcus Freeman updates injury status of multiple Notre Dame players

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman had some updates on a few injured players, and there’s a trio who are likely to be hampered for a while. Beyond that, though, Freeman is confident the rest of his squad should be ready to go against Navy in the opener.

But they will be without freshman wideout Kaleb “KK” Smith, senior tight end Kevin Bauman and sophomore defensive lineman Aiden Gobaira. The latter two will be out for the season, Freeman said.

“Bauman partially tore his ACL again so he’ll be out for the season. And Gobaira same thing. He tore his ACL, so he’ll be out for the season. Both of those guys will be gone to season-ending injuries,” Freeman said.

It’s the second ACL tear of Bauman’s career.

Smith, however, has a chance to make a comeback at some point this season after shoulder surgery earlier in the year.

“KK as you said, he’s still being expected to return at some point during the season after his shoulder surgery. Other than that there’s no guys that we say will be out,” Freeman said.

With good health and Sam Hartman at quarterback, Notre Dame can be a contender

The transfer portal has completely changed how rosters are constructed in college football, allowing teams to pick up experienced players to fill gaps on the roster. Notre Dame did this by adding star quarterback Sam Hartman this offseason.

During an appearance on SportsCenter, college football analyst Greg McElroy explained why he thinks Hartman is going to end up being the most impactful transfer in college football this season.

“Well, Matt, he’s arguably the most accomplished transfer player in NCAA history with what he’s already accomplished in his five years at Wake Forest,” McElroy said. “It’s Hartman who now heads to South Bend, Indiana to be the quarterback of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.”

During his time at Wake Forest, Hartman became one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He led the Demon Deacons for five seasons, throwing for 12,967 yards and 110 touchdowns. He also ran for another 856 yards and 17 touchdowns.

“Here’s the thing about Sam Hartman, he’s already shattered records in the ACC. The guy’s thrown for 13,000 yards and 110 touchdowns, and if you think about where he’s at, he could enter all-time historical categories both in yards and touchdowns,” McElroy continued. “All he needs is 2,000 passing yards and 21 touchdowns to enter the top five all-time in each respective category.”