Jordan Botelho injury: Notre Dame defender leaves game vs. Purdue on cart

Notre Dame defensive end Jordan Botelho had to leave Saturday’s game against Purdue on a cart. He favored his right knee after rushing the quarterback in the second quarter.

Botelho is a key piece of the Fighting Irish defense and entered Week 3 with nine tackles. He’s coming off the biggest year of his career in 2023 when he totaled 32 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks to anchor Al Golden’s unit.

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Craig was later ruled out with a leg injury after further evaluation, according to CBS’ Jenny Dell. Pat Coogan took over at center and will do so the rest of the way, it appears.

“With eight minutes left, Notre Dame d-lineman Jordan Botelho was carted off the field with an apparent right leg injury. His teammates came up to give him some love. He has been ruled out for the game,” Dell reported in the second quarter. “Just a minute later, their center, Ashton Craig, went down with a left leg injury. He was helped off the field straight into the injury tent. Just walked into the locker room, guys. He is out, as well.”

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After struggling last week against Northern Illinois, Notre Dame put on a show on both sides of the ball in the first half against Purdue. The Boilermakers managed just 72 yards of offense as the Fighting Irish took a 42-0 lead into the break. Boubacar Traore also ran back a Hudson Card interception for a pick-six.

Notre Dame used a strong running game to build the commanding lead. Riley Leonard totaled three rushing touchdowns to go with 100 yards on the ground. Jeremiyah Love also looked impressive with 94 yards and a touchdown, while Jadarian Price took a 70-yard rushing score.

Notre Dame then turned to Steve Angeli at quarterback given the sizeable lead, and he quickly made his presence felt. He found Cooper Flanagan for the Fighting Irish’s first passing touchdown of the year on a 28-yard pass, which also made it a 49-0 advantage to start the third quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium.

It was quite a showing, and Marcus Freeman acknowledged it during his halftime interview. He acknowledged the running game, but also pointed out the decision-making from Leonard.

“I think we’re doing a great job running the football, making good decisions at the quarterback position,” Freeman said. “Coaches got to help the players, and I think the coaches are doing a good job of putting our players in a really good situation to have success.”