Notre Dame football injury report: HC Marcus Freeman updates team injuries and availability for Purdue

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman was available for the media on Monday, discussing the aftermath from the team’s loss to Northern Illinois this past weekend, as well as begin previewing their next game against the Purdue Boilermakers. As part of the conversation, Coach Freeman updated some of the injuries the team is working through, and one of which could impact the team this weekend.

One of the players that the Irish staff is expecting back against Purdue is starting wide receiver Jordan Faison . The sophomore pass catcher was injured during the Texas A&M game, and has been dealing with an ankle injury. After beginning his career as a walk-on to the team last year, Faison quickly earned his role. The lacrosse star hauled in 19 receptions for 322 yards and four touchdowns, including 16.9 yards per reception.

Coach Freeman said that Faison is expected to be back at practice on Tuesday, and be a full go this weekend. He will be a very welcomed addition to a wide receiver room that needs an injection of confidence.

Offensive tackle Tosh Baker will be out for this game against Purdue. The 6-8, 320-pound backup offensive lineman is dealing with a shoulder injury, but Coach Freeman and the staff are working to get Baker back as soon as possible.

Things seem to be trending well for defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio, who has been dealing with rehabbing an offseason foot injury that required surgery. Coach Freeman did not have an exact date for Rubio to return but believed he would be back in a couple of weeks.

Getting Rubio back for Notre Dame would be massive, quite literally. At 6-5 and 316 pounds, Rubio is an experienced lineman who brings a lot of size to the table. That’s something that the Irish pack desperately right now. They need to find more impact size inside behind Howard Cross and Rylie Mills.