Notre Dame emerged from its second bye week in a favorable position regarding injuries as the team prepared for last Saturday’s matchup against Florida State. The Irish only faced one notable injury following the game, with All-American defensive tackle Howard Cross III twisting his ankle, which is expected to sideline him for the next game against Virginia. Freshman defensive end Loghan Thomas (hamstring) missed the win over Florida State, but he is nearing a return. Head coach Marcus Freeman mentioned that there’s a possibility Thomas could play this week when the Fighting Irish take on Virginia.
“We’ll list him as questionable right now,” Freeman stated on Monday. “But by the end of the week, I believe he’ll be probable to play.” Thomas participated in all of Notre Dame’s first eight games, primarily on special teams, before missing last week’s game. Additionally, another special teams player, Max Hurleman, is also listed as questionable for this week due to a left hamstring injury sustained against the Seminoles.
Freeman commented on Hurleman, saying, “He’s probably probable, knowing Max. But we are going to list him as questionable right now.” Hurleman, who transferred from Colgate, has appeared in all nine games this season for the Irish on special teams and has recently taken on the primary punt returner role. He recorded two punt returns for 12 yards against Florida State and has a total of 10 returns for 78 yards this season, with a longest return of 13 yards. Devyn Ford, another key special teams player and backup running back, also suffered a right groin injury during the game against FSU and is listed as questionable on the injury report.
