Notre Dame took a big hit to its offense during the third quarter Saturday at Virginia.
Already deep in Virginia territory, the Irish dialed a quarterback run by Malik Zaire but the redshirt sophomore’s right ankle was rolled up awkwardly following a tackle from Cavs safety Kelvin Rainey.
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly announced after the game that Zaire fractured his ankle on the play and will miss the remainder of the season.
(Warning: the injury is graphic)
Zaire, who had 115 yards and a touchdown throwing and 87 yards rushing before the injury, needed help leaving the field and was taken into the locker room on a cart.
With Zaire out, the Irish went to redshirt freshman DeShone Kizer at quarterback. Coming into the game, Kizer had just one career passing attempt, but he threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Will Fuller in the final minute to give the Irish a 34-27 win.
Kizer was third on Notre Dame’s depth chart in 2014 behind Zaire and Everett Golson, who is now the starter at Florida State after transferring in the offseason. The Irish also have true freshman Brandon Wimbush, a four-star recruit, on the quarterback depth chart.
For more Notre Dame news, visit BlueAndGold.com.
- - - - - - -
Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!