The Notre Dame football team has been waiting weeks for Leonard Moore to return to the field after suffering a high ankle sprain against Texas A&M. Head coach Marcus Freeman believes the wait is almost over and that the team will play against Boise State.
Technically, Moore's status was moved from "questionable" to "probable." He had been questionable against both Purdue and Arkansas, but didn't see the field in either game. Luckily, the Irish defense didn't need him to log either win. Boise State is on another level of opponent.
Leonard Moore to return for Notre Dame football
During his Thursday press conference, Freeman said that Leonard Moore has been able to practice with his Notre Dame teammates than he has in weeks. He's shown the kind of movement and ability that the sophomore showed before the injury. While he's clearly not 100%, at this point, it would take a setback for him to not see the field.
As Freeman put it, a Leonard Moore who isn't 100% is still someone who can help the Irish defense. And considering the team will be going up against a Broncos offense that has once again found a way to score in bunches, they'll need Moore to play as well as possible.
The good news didn't stop with Moore either. Freeman added that defensive lineman Donovan Hinish has also been upgraded to "Probable."
His return could have even more impact than Moore's considering how much Boise State's offense relies on a punishing run game. Either way, the upgrade to the Notre Dame defense is a big win already as the team looks for its third straight victory to stay on the playoff path.