Since the second half of Notre Dame’s game against Wisconsin, fans have been holding their breath waiting for news on starting safety Brauntae Johnson’s injury that caused him to leave the game just ahead of halftime and never return. On Tuesday, a new report indicates those same fans can finally exhale.
According to the South Bend Tribune’s Mike Berardino, Johnson’s injury isn’t one that he’ll bounce back from in time to play against Rice this Saturday, but it’s not so bad that he’ll be out for the year. Considering the safety turned up on the sidelines wearing a boot on Sunday night, it’s indeed good news that he should return in a couple of weeks, according to Berardino’s sources.
Notre Dame football reportedly gets good news on Brauntae Johnson injury
Johnson reportedly suffered a “minor left foot injury,” which definitely seems better than a high ankle sprain, an Achilles strain, or any number of other injuries a boot could signify. Granted, Notre Dame still hasn’t confirmed what exactly Johnson did and how long he’ll be out. However, if sources are talking to the South Bend Tribune, tests on the starting safety likely came back last night or this morning.
The good news isn’t all good, considering that Johnson is still expected to miss numerous weeks. The hope now is that he’ll be back when Notre Dame’s schedule gets tougher, starting with BYU.
In the meantime, the Irish have the kind of depth that could keep them afloat until Johnson is back. Former walk-on Luke Talich took over the role for the remainder of Notre Dame’s 41-13 win over the Badgers, playing 37 defensive snaps. There’s also highly-touted freshman Joey O’Brien. He got only one snap against the Badgers, but the Irish coaches have often talked about how he’s earned playing time. He could see even more starting this weekend.
It’s unclear just how and when Johnson was injured. He appeared in 24 defensive snaps. It’s possible he hurt himself when he gave up a third-and-5 reception late in the second quarter for a 20-yard gain by Eugene Hilton Jr.; Johnson missed the tackle and landed hard on his chest. It’s possible the foot injury caused the landing.
In addition to Brauntae Johnson’s injury, Notre Dame hasn’t released any information on defensive lineman Jason Onye. Like Johnson, Onye exited the game just ahead of halftime and was wearing a walking boot on the sidelines later in the contest. Onye’s issue is still a mystery as of Tuesday morning.
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