NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish will be starting the season with a man down.

Head Coach Brian Kelly announced after Thursday’s practice that defensive back Shaun Crawford will miss the entire season after tearing his ACL in practice.

This is the third time in four years Crawford has suffered a season-ending injury.

Kelly says he feels bad for his veteran player after this latest setback.

"Your heart's broken for a kid that's worked so hard to get on the field and has been setback by injury. It's difficult for him, but he's handling the best he can given the circumstances,” said Kelly.

With the Irish already battling a major injury before the season starts, the focus is shifting to Saturday’s game.

The Irish take on the Michigan Wolverines at 7:30 p.m.