Marcus Freeman updates Quincy Porter injury, quarterback battle and offensive line competition

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame is preparing to shift its focus from fall camp to Week 1 after completing a scrimmage of more than 100 plays Friday.

Head coach Marcus Freeman provided several updates following what was essentially the Irish’s final practice of fall camp, including encouraging news on Ohio State transfer wide receiver Quincy Porter.

Freeman said Porter underwent a minor procedure Friday intended to accelerate his recovery. Porter is expected to remain out for another couple of weeks. But even without Porter available, Freeman said his confidence in Notre Dame’s wide receiver depth continues to grow. Micah Gilbert has “stepped up tremendously,” while Elijah Burress, Jerome Bettis Jr. and Devin Fitzgerald have put together strong camps. Bubba Frazier has also looked explosive, and Freeman described Matt Jeffrey as one of the most consistent players in the room.

Several more position battles remain unresolved. Freeman called the competition for the backup quarterback job a difficult decision and said the Irish will likely make a determination next week.

Notre Dame is also continuing to evaluate its offensive line. Rather than focusing solely on individual position battles, Freeman said the priority is finding the best five-player combination. Ashton Craig has not yet been fully cleared, while Joe Otting and Sullivan Absher remain in the mix.

One position without uncertainty is starting quarterback, where CJ Carr continues to establish himself as the leader of the offense.
“These dudes that are 6’8”, 6’7”, they look at him, and what he says — ‘yes sir,’ and we go,” Freeman said. “He can’t forget that, because they’re all following him. He’s in the driver’s seat and pushing them when they need to be pushed, but also there’s times where maybe they need an arm around their shoulder — and he’s done a great job at that.”

Notre Dame will now take a short break before returning to practice, when the focus will shift more heavily toward its season opener and Freeman is expected to begin finalizing the remaining depth-chart decisions.