Brauntae Johnson (9), injured last week against Wisconsin, is expected to be out “a few weeks”. (Photo: Chad Ryan/Fighting Irish Preview)
Safety Brauntae Johnson and defensive tackle Jason Onye will miss multiple weeks with injuries, Marcus Freeman said Tuesday. Neither player will be available for Saturday’s game against Rice, but Freeman expects both to return at some point this season.
Johnson is dealing with a left foot injury, while Onye has a left ankle injury.
Both players left Notre Dame’s 41-13 win over Wisconsin and did not return. Both were later seen on the sideline wearing walking boots.
Now, the Irish will have to lean on their depth at both positions.
At safety, Luke Talich is expected to take on a bigger role with Johnson out. Freeman said Notre Dame already views Talich as a starter-caliber player.
The defensive line will have to adjust as well. Francis Brewu and Tionne Gray both impressed Freeman in the season opener and will see more work with Onye sidelined.
There was also some encouraging injury news Tuesday. Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, who is listed as questionable, is expected to see playing time against Rice, according to Freeman.
That should give the Irish another experienced piece back on a defense that has plenty of depth to absorb the losses of Johnson and Onye.
Rice does present a different challenge. The Owls rushed for 465 yards in their 31-3 win over Houston Christian and will bring their option-based running attack to South Bend.
But Notre Dame isn’t suddenly short on bodies.
Brewu and Gray will get their opportunity up front, Talich is plenty ready for a larger role on the back end, and KVA’s expected return gives the Irish another proven defender in the mix.
Johnson and Onye will be missed. But against Rice, Notre Dame has more than enough defensive depth to handle their absence while giving both starters time to get healthy.