Notre Dame will once again be without defensive tackles Jason Onye and Francis Brewu for today’s matchup against Boston College, according to official pregame injury updates.
Both players sustained knee injuries during the team’s Oct. 31 win over Navy, which forced them to miss the subsequent victory against Miami, the outlets reported.
The latest absences contribute to a growing total of missed games for the Fighting Irish defense, which has now seen key contributors sidelined for at least 33 combined contests this season.
Safety Brauntae Johnson remains out following foot surgery, while cornerback DJ McKinney and linebacker Drayk Bowen continue to recover from ankle injuries, the South Bend Tribune noted.
Onye has faced a difficult season, missing over eight games due to various ailments, including a previous ankle injury sustained against Wisconsin.
In the wake of these defensive gaps, the coaching staff has turned to depth players to fill the void on the field.
Oregon transfer Tionne Gray, who has been described as a major personality for the program, recently played a career-high 43 defensive snaps against Miami, according to local coverage.
Gray is expected to continue working alongside starter Armel Mukam to stabilize the front line during today’s game.
As the team navigates these personnel challenges, the focus remains on maintaining defensive consistency against unranked Boston College.
The program has dealt with significant attrition throughout the year, impacting both sides of the ball as they push through the remainder of their schedule.
The medical staff continues to monitor the progress of the injured starters as they aim to return to full strength for future high-stakes matchups.