Notre Dame football fans might be able to breathe a sigh of relief after head coach Marcus Freeman offered an encouraging update on star defensive lineman Rylie Mills. Speaking on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt after the Irish win over Indiana on Friday night, Freeman struck an optimistic tone about Mills' prognosis following an injury scare that saw him leave the contest early, limping badly.
"There is optimism," Freeman stated. "I won't get into details on what they told me, but it sounds like it's not season-ending. We just gotta get him right here in the next 10-11 days and get him ready for this upcoming contest down in New Orleans."
While the specifics of Mills' injury remain undisclosed, the news that it likely won't end his season is a significant relief for the Fighting Irish. Mills has been a cornerstone of Notre Dame football's defense, known for his ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his size, strength, and relentless motor. Losing him for an extended period would have been a major blow to the team’s hopes as they gear up for a critical postseason push.
Rylie Mills went down clutching his right knee after that sack. Now being helped off the field by the Irish training staff. Would be a brutal blow to this defense.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) December 21, 2024
Notre Dame football optimistic about Rylie Mills
The timing of Freeman's remarks suggests that Mills could be in the mix to play when Notre Dame faces a pivotal matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs. The next 10-11 days will be critical as the team monitors his recovery and ramps up preparations.
For now, fans and teammates will watch closely, hopeful that Mills' return to the field is imminent. His presence on the defensive line is not just vital to Notre Dame's success but also emblematic of the toughness and resilience that defines this program under Freeman's leadership.
Notre Dame football faithful is also waiting for word on running back Jeremiyah Love who is still battling back from an injury he suffered against the USC Trojans. While Love played on Friday night, he admitted after the game against Indiana that he wasn’t 100% yet.