Reports: Notre Dame TE Durham Smythe out for season
Quarterback Malik Zaire wasn’t the only offensive starter Notre Dame lost to a season-ending injury over the weekend.
According to multiple reports, junior tight end Durham Smythe is also out for the season. Irish head coach Brian Kelly would not confirm the news on his Sunday night teleconference, though he did describe Smythe’s status as “unclear” moving forward, according to Blue and Gold Illustrated.
Irish Illustrated is reporting that Smythe injured his shoulder in the season-opening win against Texas and then injured his knee over the weekend against Virginia, prompting the decision to shut him down the rest of the season.
Smythe caught one pass in each game, including a 7-yard touchdown on a fake field goal in the first quarter in the win over Virginia.
The Irish have plenty of young, inexperienced options to turn to in Smythe’s absence including sophomores Nic Weishar and Tyler Luatua, and true freshman Alize Jones. The Irish also have fifth-year senior Chase Hounshell, a converted defensive lineman.
Smythe is the fifth starter Notre Dame has lost for the season, joining Zaire, junior running back Tarean Folston, senior defensive tackle Jarron Jones and freshman nickel corner Shaun Crawford.
The eighth-ranked Irish (2-0) host No. 14 Georgia Tech (2-0) on Saturday afternoon.
For more Notre Dame news, visit BlueAndGold.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
