In a dramatic twist following their Week 1 victory, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been dealt a significant blow with the injury of starting wide receiver Jordan Faison. The sophomore, who was a crucial component of the offense, will miss 1-2 weeks due to an ankle sprain, according to Pete Sampson of The Athletic.
The Fighting Irish secured a hard-fought 23-13 win over Texas A&M in College Station. In a game that saw new quarterback Riley Leonard make a promising debut and secure victory over his former Duke coach, Mike Elko, the win was marred by Faison’s injury. Despite his relatively modest performance in the game, with only two catches for 12 yards, Faison’s potential impact on the season cannot be overstated.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman confirmed the injury, emphasizing that Faison’s absence is a significant setback. “Jordan is an important part of our offense, and losing him for even a short period is challenging. However, we’re optimistic that he’ll be back in action soon,” Freeman said in a press conference.
Faison’s injury opens the door for sophomore KK Smith to step into a larger role. Smith, who is also a Texas native, will see increased playing time and is expected to play a significant part in the upcoming game against Northern Illinois. This shift in the depth chart comes after Smith did not receive any targets in the opening game, but with Faison sidelined, he will now be a crucial asset for the team.
In the 2023 season, Faison demonstrated his potential with 14 catches for 207 yards and three touchdowns over six games. His presence was anticipated to be vital for Notre Dame’s offensive strategy, especially with Leonard at the helm. However, the team is fortunate to have a relatively manageable schedule in the coming weeks, facing Northern Illinois, Purdue, and Miami (Ohio). This schedule allows the Fighting Irish to potentially navigate Faison’s absence without compromising their chances for success.
Freeman’s optimism about the team’s ability to handle the situation is evident, as he emphasizes the depth and versatility of the roster. “We have confidence in our players to step up and fill the gaps. It’s part of the game, and we’re prepared to adjust and continue moving forward,” Freeman added.
As the team prepares for their next matchup, all eyes will be on how KK Smith performs and how the offense adapts to the absence of one of its key players. Notre Dame’s ability to maintain their momentum and manage the injury effectively will be crucial as they continue their season.