Quarterback Malik Zaire wasn’t the only offensive starter Notre Dame lost to a season-ending injury over the weekend.
Notre Dame announced Tuesday that junior tight end Durham Smythe is also out for the season after undergoing knee and shoulder surgeries.
Smythe caught one pass in each game, including a 7-yard touchdown on a fake field goal in the first quarter in the win over Virginia.
The Irish have plenty of young, inexperienced options to turn to in Smythe’s absence including sophomores Nic Weishar and Tyler Luatua, and true freshman Alize Jones. The Irish also have fifth-year senior Chase Hounshell, a converted defensive lineman.
Smythe is the fifth starter Notre Dame has lost for the season, joining Zaire, junior running back Tarean Folston, senior defensive tackle Jarron Jones and freshman nickel corner Shaun Crawford.
The eighth-ranked Irish (2-0) host No. 14 Georgia Tech (2-0) on Saturday afternoon.
For more Notre Dame news, visit BlueAndGold.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
