Notre Dame Football: Pair of wide receivers finally poised to make impact

Jayden Thomas and Jaden Greathouse have combined to make two catches since the Duke game but they could be poised to make an impact for Notre Dame football.

It’s probably not a coincidence that the Notre Dame football team’s offense has looked disjointed every since Jayden Thomas and Jaden Greathouse were injured. It would be hard for any team to operate without its top two receivers even if with a roster as deep as the Fighting Irish’s.

That’s why questions about their return have been a center point in Marcus Freeman’s press conferences for several weeks now. And every week, Freeman says that he believes the two receivers are closer to being 100 percent. Is this week different?

Freeman has been optimistic about both being back and seeing significant minutes since Louisville. Thomas did play against the Cardinals, but he only managed two catches for 33 yards.

Then he didn’t play against USC. Greathouse hasn’t had a catch since the game against Ohio State.

On Monday morning, Freeman gave Notre Dame football fans hope once again. He said both wide receivers were closer to 100 percent than they’ve been since the beginning of the season. If they are, it could be the boost this offense and Sam Hartman has been missing.

Notre Dame football needs Jayden and Jaden

Thomas, especially, was looking like a top weapon for the Irish before his injury against the Buckeyes. His numbers before the OSU contest were like clockwork. Outside of the North Carolina State game, he had four catches and 62 or 63 yards in every game he played.

Greathouse’s numbers weren’t as consistent, but he’d amassed 12 receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns in Notre Dame’s first four games. He had two for 40 before going down against Ohio State.

Notre Dame football is nearly three-touchdown favorites against Pittsburgh this weekend. There’s a better chance the Irish will cover if both are back.