Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman Updates on Injuries

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman reported that offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp has recovered from a facial injury sustained against North Carolina, while cornerback Leonard Moore remains in concussion protocol and is questionable for the upcoming Stanford game. Meanwhile, key player availability is shaping up across several teams as Mississippi's running back Kewan Lacy returns to practice, Tennessee reassesses its starting quarterback, and Arizona loses top receiver Tré Spivey for the season due to foot surgery.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman provided updates Monday on the status of several key players following the Fighting Irish’s 37-26 victory over North Carolina on Saturday. During the game, offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp sustained a facial laceration that caused blood to stream down his face, prompting Freeman to send him to the sideline for treatment. Knapp was able to return to the contest after the bleeding was controlled and did not appear on the team’s injury report this week.

Freeman also addressed the status of multiple other Notre Dame players ahead of their upcoming game against Stanford. Cornerback Leonard Moore, an All-American, is currently in concussion protocol and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s matchup against the longtime rival. Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is also questionable due to a thumb injury, while offensive lineman Matty Augustine continues to recover from a right foot injury but is expected to return to practice this week, which could allow him to participate in the Stanford game.

In the Southeastern Conference, Mississippi coach Pete Golding reported that running back Kewan Lacy has resumed practicing after a week of rest and rehabilitation. Lacy took part in both individual and team drills Sunday and is expected to be available for the Rebels’ game against Vanderbilt on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Tennessee coach Josh Heupel indicated that the team remains undecided on its starting quarterback choice for its upcoming contest versus Arkansas. Heupel stated there is no certainty that five-star freshman Faizon Brandon, who has started the first five games this season, will maintain the starting role as the coaching staff continues to evaluate the best option. George MacIntyre remains in contention for the position.

In the Pac-12, Arizona announced that leading receiver Tré Spivey will be sidelined for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery for a broken foot sustained in the Wildcats’ loss to Cincinnati last Saturday. The injury sidelines Spivey, who has been a key offensive contributor for Arizona this year.

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