Daniels out; Russell cleared
The Irish lost one of their most explosive receivers on Saturday night. However, Brian Kelly also got some good news on the injury front the morning after Notre Dame's win at Boston College.
DaVaris Daniels will be lost for the rest of the regular season after he suffered a broken clavicle during the third quarter while attempting to make an acrobatic touchdown catch over Eagles cornerback Sean Sylvia. Daniels got up with his arm limp to his side and did not return to the game.
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Daniels underwent surgery on Sunday morning. Kelly said he expected the sophomore back for bowl preparations, although a broken collarbone, like the one Michael Floyd suffered three years ago, can linger beyond a six-week recovery time.
"This will be a temporary setback for him," Kelly said. "We'll have him out three, three-and-a-half weeks where he'll start running and non-contact. He'll be ready to impact our team in the postseason."
Among Notre Dame's regular receivers, Daniels ranked as the most consistent deep threat. He posted a 45-yard reception in the fourth quarter against Pittsburgh that set up the tying touchdown. He finished with seven catches for 86 yards against the Panthers, both career highs.
"We think he was making really good progress, learning how to play the position," Kelly said. "Learning how to practice. He's made really good progress."
Daniels' absence should return John Goodman to a more regular role after his one catch at Boston College went for an 18-yard touchdown. Freshman receiver Chris Brown could also see his workload increase.
The good news for Notre Dame is KeiVarae Russell was cleared Sunday following a second half head injury that knocked him out of the game. Kelly was unclear of the freshman cornerback's status before leaving Alumni Stadium but got some positive feedback barely 12 hours later.
According to Kelly, Russell "cleared up nicely and he looks to be on track for practice on Tuesday."
