Notre Dame faces another challenge as they prepare for their College Football Playoff semifinal against Penn State. Tight end Cooper Flanagan suffered a foot injury during the team’s Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia and will be unavailable for the remainder of the postseason. This setback was confirmed by head coach Marcus Freeman on Saturday. However, Freeman provided a more optimistic update on other injured players from the Sugar Bowl, such as running back Jeremiyah Love and defensive tackle Howard Cross III, who are expected to be ready for the next game.
Flanagan’s absence is not expected to heavily impact Notre Dame’s passing game, as he recorded only four receptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns this season. However, his blocking has been a key component of the team’s success, exemplified by his role in Love’s 98-yard touchdown run during the playoff opener against Indiana. With Flanagan out, Notre Dame will rely on Mitchell Evans and Eli Raridon to step up, particularly in the running game.
Stefan Noesen on the goalie interference call against him : “I don’t even know what the hell goaltender interference is… dumb… just gonna piss me off even more thinking about it.” pic.twitter.com/RMChNBnFm0
— Devils Fanatics (@devilsfanatics) January 2, 2025
Evans has shown potential this season, with 34 receptions for 311 yards and three touchdowns, but consistency in his blocking remains crucial. Similarly, Raridon, who has excelled as a blocker early in his career, will need to rise to the occasion against Penn State’s formidable defensive front.
Flanagan’s injury adds to a growing list of sidelined players for the Fighting Irish this season. Despite these challenges, the seventh-seeded Notre Dame team (13-1) remains focused as they prepare to face sixth-seeded Penn State (13-2) in the Orange Bowl semifinal. The matchup is scheduled for Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET and broadcast on ESPN
Notre Dame Injury Report
Notre Dame has dealt with significant injuries throughout the season, with numerous key players sidelined. Notable absences include:
1. Cooper Flanagan (foot): Injured during the Sugar Bowl, out for the postseason.
2. Benjamin Morrison (hip): Junior cornerback underwent surgery, out for the season.
3. Rylie Mills (knee): Graduate student defensive lineman injured in the Indiana game on December 20.
4. Ashton Craig (knee): Junior starting center injured against Purdue.
5. Jordan Botelho (knee): Graduate defensive lineman hurt during a game on September 14.
6. Kahanu Kia (knee): Sophomore linebacker tore his ACL in preseason camp.
7. Gi’Bran Payne (knee): Junior running back tore his ACL during the Blue-Gold Game.
8. Styles Prescod (shoulder): Freshman offensive lineman required surgery for a lingering high school injury.
9. Boubacar Traore (knee): Sophomore defensive lineman had season-ending knee surgery after an injury against Louisville.
10. Chance Tucker (knee): Senior cornerback tore his ACL during a scrimmage in August.
11. Marty Auer (knee): Senior walk-on cornerback tore his ACL in preseason practice.
12. Quentin Autry (shoulder): Graduate student defensive lineman is out for the season.
13. Taebron Bennie-Powell (shoulder): Freshman safety underwent surgery following a preseason injury.
Despite these setbacks, Notre Dame will aim to maintain their resilience in their high-stakes matchup against Penn State.