Notre Dame Basketball: Injuries continue with DJ Harvey out four weeks

Notre Dame basketball is having a tough time with injuries, adding DJ Harvey to the list, who will miss four weeks with a bone bruise.

After going down with what appeared to be a knee injury against Louisville, Notre Dame basketball fans anticipated the worse. Many feared the injury could be an ACL issue. After an MRI on Wednesday, DJ Harvey tweeted that it was only a bone bruise on his left knee.

Just wanted to let everybody know that I’m fine and that it’s only a bone bruise in my left knee, I’ll be out 4 weeks. Thank you for the concerns, texts and prayers🙏🏾❤️ Go Irish!🍀
— DJ Harvey (@TheRealDJHarvey) January 17, 2018

The injury came after making a defensive rebound Tuesday. Harvey collected the ball, took a step before passing it off and then fell to the floor in pain. Harvey returned to the bench on crutches and a knee brace.

Although losing their wing is not ideal, this does come at a decent time for Notre Dame. The Irish will face Clemson this Saturday then will take a week off before they play Virginia Tech January 27^th.

If the timetable stands at four weeks, Harvey would return for the last five or four games of the regular season. That would give enough time for him to get back to full strength and game speed by the ACC Tournament.

The 6’6” freshman was expected to make an impact this season as he’s physically capable to play in the ACC in his first season. While he hasn’t been a stat sheet stuffer, he’s played his role quite well. Notre Dame recruited him to help to rebound and stretch the floor with his ability to shoot.

We saw what Harvey was capable of in his first career start against NC State. He found his rhythm shooting six-of-nine from the floor and three-of-four beyond the arc for 17 total points. The guard also pulled down three rebounds in the 30-point victory for the Irish.

Next Man Up

While averaging 5.8 points per game and 2.95 rebounds, Notre Dame will again have to look for someone else to step up. This, of course, is nothing new as the injury bug has hit the Irish hard this season. First, it was Bonzie Colson who went down and will be out until at least the last week of the regular season. Matt Farrell also missed three and a half games.

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Now with Farrell back there is a bit of a cushion to help replace Harvey. Yet, this will still be one more obstacle for Notre Dame to overcome as the Irish take yet another blow to the roster.